Electronic flight bag

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An electronic flight bag , (EFB) is an electronic information management device that helps flight crews to perform flight management tasks more easily, efficiently and with less paperwork. It is an all-purpose computing platform designed to help reduce or replace material that was previously found in paper form in a pilot's hand luggage. These are, for example, documents such as the aircraft and crew operating manual and the navigation maps. In addition, the EFB can process special software applications in order to automate functions that were previously carried out by hand, such as performance calculations.

The EFB got its name from the traditional flight bag , which is a document bag weighing up to 18 kg that pilots take with them into the cockpit. The "electronic pilot's case" is the replacement of documents in a digital format. There are numerous advantages of the EFB, such as weight savings, reduced costs and increased efficiency due to the elimination of the paper flow. The reduced workload for the pilot contributes to flight safety.

According to the definition of the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an electronic flight bag is an electronic display system that is primarily intended for cockpit or cabin use.

EFB devices can show a variety of flight data or perform basic calculations (including performance data and fuel calculations). They are divided into three classes and three software types.

Hardware classes

  • Class 1 : Commercially available devices such as notebooks or handhelds . These devices exist as loose equipment and are stowed away during critical phases of the flight. Portable electronic devices are considered Class 1 EFBs. They can be connected to the power supply of the aircraft or be connected to other systems via defined docking stations . This allows the class 1 devices to connect to other systems. In commercial air traffic you have to get approval for use by the authorities (LBA). JAR TGL 36 provides detailed information on the approval process.
  • Class 2 : These are also portable electronic devices, which range from modified, off-the-shelf to custom-made devices. They are attached to the aircraft so that their displays are in the pilot's field of vision during all flight phases. Class 2 devices can be connected to the aircraft's power and data supply. For flight operations, data exchange is restricted to read access to the aircraft system.
  • Class 3 : This device class consists of built-in instruments that are required for flight safety. They must therefore be taken into account when designing the aircraft. The hardware for this class is limited to device approved by the aviation authority.

Software types

A wide variety of applications can be used on the EFBs. These are divided into three software categories:

  • Type a
    • A static application such as a document viewer ( PDF , HTML , XML format)
    • Electronic version of paper maps that statically represent the maps
    • Electronic checklists
    • Aircraft crew manuals and other printed documents such as airport NOTAMs
  • Type B
    • Dynamic map display that includes the ability to pan and zoom. Automatic tracking of the maps by comparison with the GPS .
    • Real-time information about the weather, which can also include weather maps.
    • Flight performance calculations
  • Type c

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ JAA Administrative & Guidance Material, Section four, Part three, Appendix B

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