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Electronic Flight BagsElectronic Flight Bags (EFBs) are small, customizable information-management devices that aid pilots and aircraft operators in conducting flights more efficiently and safely. Volpe has worked with the FAA and the Air Transport Association to develop a comprehensive list of human factors considerations for EFBs. Divya Chandra, Ph.D., Project Manager Project DetailsEven a basic laptop computer that has flight-management functions qualifies as an EFB by this definition. Today there are laptop-style EFBs in use during revenue operations at many airlines both in the United States and in Europe (e.g., Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, FedEx, Finnair, and Lufthansa). These EFBs are often used to calculate flight performance and/or view airline documents such as the Pilot's Operating Handbook and Flight Operations Manual. (The Flight Operations Working Group is an industry forum on electronic documents for the airline industry.) In the near future, EFBs may host a range of other functions, such as electronic approach plates, electronic checklists, surface moving maps, and even cabin video surveillance. Development of EFBs has accelerated rapidly in the past few years (see 2007 EFB Industry Review (PDF, 1.8MB)). The business case for deploying EFBs considers many types of benefits to airlines. In general, however, EFBs are attractive because, relative to traditional avionics, they come at a low initial cost, they can be customized, and they are easily upgraded. Some EFB benefits include reduction in costs associated with data management and distribution, potential reduction in training costs, and even the avoidance of medical costs associated with pilot injuries from carrying heavy flight bags filled with paper. Some airlines are even working directly with vendors to architect EFB solutions for their specific needs. Volpe EFB Reports and Publications - 2007 EFB Industry Review now available. Online EFB Reports and Articles FAA Releases N8200.98 on Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Job Aid (Version 2) This document was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Certification Service and Flight Standards Service with special assistance from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (Volpe Center, Cambridge, MA). Feedback on the document should be sent to the FAA to Peter Skaves (AIR-130) (peter.skaves@faa.gov) or Rich Adams (AFS-430) (rich.adams@faa.gov). The EFB Job Aid provides clarification and further elaboration of the material in Advisory Circular (AC) 120-76A for FAA Flight Standards field inspectors who conduct the operational approvals of these devices. The scope of the EFB Job Aid is limited to that covered in the AC. This EFB Job Aid should be used in combination with AC 120-76A. Specifically, the EFB Job Aid provides guidance information in two primary areas: (1) FAA internal processes to be used by the Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) and Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for evaluations and operational approvals, and (2) the design and technical criteria for the approval of EFB systems (e.g., human/machine interface). The primary intended audience for this material is the FAA inspector. However, the materials may also be useful to EFB manufacturers and operators.. (Added 11/17/06) For More Information, Contact: |
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