You Need an Electronic Flight Bag

The AC defines an EFB as an electronic display system intended mainly for cabin or cockpit use. To that end, an EFB can display aviation data such as charts and make basic calculations such as time, fuel and distance calculations. An EFB can also include other databases, perhaps FARs, or additional applications such as crosswind, weight-and-balance and holding calculators.

Fred Simonds

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's AC 91-78 provides guidance for Part 91 pilots to use Class 1 (portable) and Class 2 (mounted) Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) as a paperless cockpit solution.
EFBs can replace most paper flight documents for all phases of flight, provided the displayed data is current, valid, and the EFB does not interfere with or replace required aircraft systems.
Specific rules apply to Class 1 (portable, no aircraft power/data reliance) and Class 2 (mounted, can use aircraft power/data with proper installation) EFB types.
Pilots are responsible for ensuring EFB data currency, safe operation, training, and planning for potential failures, although personal ID and aircraft certificates must remain in paper form.

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You use a tablet in the airplane, right? You’ve probably got one of the popular apps like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or WingX. You probably use it for charts and nav, but if you don’t use your tablet as a full electronic flight bag (EFB), you might be missing the boat.

Check the Advisory Circular

Back in 2007, the FAA issued AC 91-78, Use of Class 1 or Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Not only did the AC define an EFB, it also created regulatory distinctions and discrete rules governing Class 1 portable and Class 2 mounted EFBs. The AC gives Part 91 pilots guidance on how to safely transition from paper aeronautical charts and other cockpit documentation and replace it with an Electronic Flight Bag.