FAA Updates Advisory Circular for the use of Electronic Flight Bags

FAA Updates Advisory Circular for the use of Electronic Flight Bags
iPad Pilot News

AC 91-78A offers guidance to Part 91 operators for EFBs

The FAA recently published Advisory Circular (AC) 91-78A, Use of Electronic Flight Bags (EFB), which replaces the original AC on the topic that was published in 2007. The AC provides operational guidance to aircraft owners, operators, and pilots operating aircraft under Part 91 who want to replace required paper information. By definition, the information contained in an AC is not mandatory, but does describe an acceptable means of regulatory compliance.

The updated AC recognizes the advancement and reliability of EFBs on the flight deck and affirms that EFBs may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots historically carried such as manuals, minimum equipment lists, weight and balance information, aeronautical charts, and terminal procedures.

Like the previous version, the AC states that EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed meets the following criteria:

1. The EFB system does not replace any system or equipment (e.g., navigation, communication, or surveillance system) that is required by Part 91.
2. 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.
3. The interactive or precomposed information being used for navigation or performance planning is current, up to date, and valid, as verified by the pilot.
4. 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.

What was previously referred to as Class 1 and 2 EFBs, are now referred to as portable and installed EFBs. The updated AC continues to encourage operators to consider the human interface component of EFB use and suggests operators parrticipcate in training for each operational function of the EFB.

The updated Advisory Circular, AC 91-78A, Use of Electronic Flight Bags, can be accessed at FAA.gov.

The post FAA Updates Advisory Circular for the use of Electronic Flight Bags first appeared on iPad Pilot News.

The post FAA Updates Advisory Circular for the use of Electronic Flight Bags appeared first on iPad Pilot News.

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