A Pilot's Best Friend?

A Pilot’s Best Friend?

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 01:39 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) are widely preferred over traditional paper charts for their superior convenience, ease of updates, and ability to simplify complex flight operations for both private and professional pilots.
While offering significant advantages, EFBs introduce new operational considerations and potential risks, such as the necessity for robust hardware, redundant devices, diligent battery management, and comprehensive pre-flight data downloads.
Pilots must actively mitigate risks associated with EFB usage, including preventing cockpit distraction, ensuring secure device placement, preparing for potential device failure, and understanding the hazards of lithium-ion battery fires.

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I have dealt with paper chart updates both as a student pilot and a professional pilot, and I can safely say I prefer EFBs. The worst luck I ever had with paper charts occurred before my private pilot checkride. I ended up weathered out on my first attempt, and the charts expired a few days before my rescheduled ride. The local flight schools near me were sold out, and I ended up driving an hour or so to the closest place I could find.

Looking back, I am 99-percent sure the DPE never even checked to make sure my charts were current. Either way, it was not worth the risk. After I finished instrument training the old-school way, I decided to buy my first iPad and a ForeFlight subscription. It was well worth the investment.