Use of Electronic Flight Bags

Introduction:

  • Electronic Flight Bags systems may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots typically carry in the flight deck

Definitions:

  • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). An electronic display system intended primarily for flight deck or cabin use. A portable or installed EFB can display a variety of traditional paper information (e.g., checklists, aeronautical charts, and pilot’s operating handbooks (POH)) and/or complete algorithmic functions (e.g., deice holdover times, Weight and Balance (W&B), performance, and fuel calculations). The scope of the EFB system functionality may also include various other hosted databases and applications. Physical EFB displays may be portable, attached to a mounting device, or built into the aircraft
  • Portable Electronic Device (PED). These devices are typically consumer commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic devices functionally capable of communications, data processing, and/or utility (refer to the PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Report, September 2013). Compliance with PED regulations is further explained in AC 91.21-1. The use of any PED in an aircraft is subject to compliance with PED regulations (§ 91.21) and must be evaluated by the user or operator prior to use to ensure the PED will not interfere in any way with the operation of aircraft. The definition of a PED includes Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (T-PED)

Use of Electronic Flight Bags:

  • Electronic Flight Bags, or EFB, systems may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots typically carry in the flight deck
  • EFBs can electronically store and retrieve information required for flight operations, such as the POH and supplements, minimum equipment lists (MEL), W&B calculations, aeronautical charts, and terminal procedures
  • EFB systems are being developed to support functions during all phases of flight operations
  • EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed meets the following criteria:
    • The EFB system does not replace any system or equipment (e.g., navigation, communication, or surveillance system) that is required by part 91
    • The EFB system on board the aircraft displays only information which is functionally equivalent to the paper reference material which the information is replacing or is substituted for
    • The interactive or precomposed information being used for navigation or performance planning is current, up to date, and valid, as verified by the pilot
    • The operator complies with requirements of § 91.21 to ensure that the use of the EFB does not interfere with equipment or systems required for flight
  • The in-flight use of EFB systems to depict images in lieu of paper reference material is the decision of the aircraft operator and the pilot in command (PIC)
    • Any Type A or Type B EFB application, as defined in AC 120-76, may be substituted for the paper equivalent
    • It requires no formal operational approval as long as the guidelines of this AC are followed

Electronic FLight Bag Operating Considerations:

  • The operator ensures the following for carriage and acceptable use of specific EFBs:
    • Portable EFBs:
      • Not dependent upon a dedicated aircraft power source or input from navigation equipment to provide display functionality, although they may connect to aircraft power through a certificated power source;
      • Not attached to an aircraft mounting device; and
      • Not connected with or receiving data from any aircraft system
    • Installed EFBs
      • Receive power from the aircraft that is derived from an electrical bus source protected against short circuits with an appropriately rated circuit breaker or fuse;
      • Receive position reference from an onboard navigation system, provided such input is designed and integrated in such a manner as to not adversely affect the output of the navigation source to which they are connected; and
      • Be attached to a mounting device provided that such device is approved for installation into the aircraft (e.g., if intended for installation into a type-certificated aircraft, then such mounting device must meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 21, § 21.303)

Electronic Flight Bag Implementation:

  • Assessments. The operator should carry out an assessment of the human-machine interface and aspects governing Crew Resource Management (CRM) when using the EFB. General considerations for the assessment include workload, integration of the EFB into the flight deck, display and lighting issues, system shutdown, and system failures. Attention must be given to the physical EFB. Some items to consider are placement issues such as stowage during takeoff or landing, and the operation of an unsecured EFB. Use of the controls and input devices may become more demanding in flight
  • Training. Training should include preflight checks of the system, the use of each operational function on the EFB, the conditions (including phases of flight) under which the EFB should not be used (if applicable), and procedures for cross-checking data entry and computed information
  • Security Procedures. Refer to AC 120-76, paragraph 12.5, for information on EFB security

Avionics and Electronic Flight Bag Tools:

  • Some avionics and EFPs provide glide rings based on the (albiet, limited) conditions of flight
  • These range rings are estimates only
  • Setting avionics ranges to the anticipated glide distance also gives an idea of what options are available (i.e., if no airports are within that distance, any need to land will be off airport
  • Set avionics to display terrain when climbing, especially in unfamiliar locations, and especially when weather is poor, to monitor obstructions to flight

Conclusion:

  • Advisory Circular 91-78 provides operational guidance to aircraft owners, operators, and pilots operating aircraft under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 who want to replace required paper information and/or utilize hosted database and software applications as part of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functionality
  • Electronic flight bags are options, not requierments, AC 91-78 simply provides an acceptable means, but not the only means, to replace required paper information and/or utilize hosted database and software applications as part of EFB functionality
    • However, if you use the means described in the AC, you must follow it in all important respects
  • AC 91-78 does not supercede any prohibitions specified under 14 CFR Chapter I, Suchapter F
  • Refer to AC 20-173, Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components, for complete details for installation of EFB components
  • For additional information please contact the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 202-267-1100
  • AC 91-78 provides a Feedback Form on the last page
    • Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form
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