Jun 24, 2013, 10:32 pm
Last edit by: JY1024
Updated 2013 thread here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/1479140-aa-mainline-completes-electronic-flight-bag-implementation-via-ipad-tablets.html
AP via MSNBC: American Airlines begins iPad testing by pilots
Jun 17, 2011, 11:03 am
#1
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AP via MSNBC: American Airlines begins iPad testing by pilots
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43441807/ns/travel-news/
FORT WORTH, Texas — Some American Airlines Inc. pilots have begun testing iPads in an effort to ease the amount of bulky paperwork they need for flights.
The Allied Pilots Association says the iPads have electronic-charting functions. The iPad is made by Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, Calif.
Pilots on two trans-Pacific flights began the test Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration says pilots must still carry paper documents as backup, items that add to the pounds being hauled as carriers seek to lower weight on airplanes and reduce fuel costs.
The six-month test is being done on American flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai and Tokyo Narita.
American is based in Fort Worth.
The Allied Pilots Association says the iPads have electronic-charting functions. The iPad is made by Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, Calif.
Pilots on two trans-Pacific flights began the test Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration says pilots must still carry paper documents as backup, items that add to the pounds being hauled as carriers seek to lower weight on airplanes and reduce fuel costs.
The six-month test is being done on American flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai and Tokyo Narita.
American is based in Fort Worth.
Jun 17, 2011, 12:45 pm
#2
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Pilots' "brain bags" can weight 40 lbs easily, and sometimes significantly more. B6 started out with EFB (Electronic Flight Bag), iirc. FARs require solid state storage (not a hard drive) so the device will operate continuously though and after an unplanned and sudden decompression event. EFB is old hat - this is merely a platform change and AA trying to catch up. More here.
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 17, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Jun 17, 2011, 12:58 pm
#3
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The iPad/Jeppesen combo was certified by the FAA as a Class 1 portable kneeboard electronic flight bag solution 4 months ago. Certain airlines, like AS, are already 100% EFB (no paper).
From what I understand what's new and exciting about this poorly worded announcement is that this test version of the Jeppeson software will have electronic-charting, including "own-ship position" and presumably the route of flight. Current Jeppesen software is approved to only display approach plate charts, terminal procedures and airport diagrams (the bulk of the weight of a flight bag), but not charting.
From what I understand what's new and exciting about this poorly worded announcement is that this test version of the Jeppeson software will have electronic-charting, including "own-ship position" and presumably the route of flight. Current Jeppesen software is approved to only display approach plate charts, terminal procedures and airport diagrams (the bulk of the weight of a flight bag), but not charting.
Last edited by hillrider; Jun 17, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Jul 5, 2011, 10:58 am
#4
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NY Times article --AA Pilots using iPad for manuals and charts
From today's NY Times:
The Paperless Cockpit
An interesting quote:
Wishing what was good for the goose....
The Paperless Cockpit
An interesting quote:
American Airlines won F.A.A. approval last month for its pilots to use the iPad to read aeronautical charts. American received authorization last year to use the device instead of paper reference manuals. Executive Jet Management, a NetJets company owned by Berkshire Hathaway, received the F.A.A.’s permission in February for its pilots to read aeronautical charts on iPads.
Moreover, the F.A.A. said pilots at the two airlines would not have to shut off and store their iPads during taxiing, takeoff and landing because they had demonstrated that the devices would not impair the functioning of onboard electronics.
Moreover, the F.A.A. said pilots at the two airlines would not have to shut off and store their iPads during taxiing, takeoff and landing because they had demonstrated that the devices would not impair the functioning of onboard electronics.
Jul 5, 2011, 11:03 am
#5
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From today's NY Times:
The Paperless Cockpit
An interesting quote:
Wishing what was good for the goose....
The Paperless Cockpit
An interesting quote:
Wishing what was good for the goose....
Jul 5, 2011, 11:24 am
#6
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Interesting using Ipads in the cockpit and samsung androids for the new AVOD, I would think they would want a harmonized platform to save money buying these tablets
Jul 5, 2011, 11:37 am
#7
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Yeah, waiting for the pax who will be arrested for refusing to shut off his/her ipad due to possible interference with navigation equipment. 
Jul 5, 2011, 12:03 pm
#8
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The cockpits and cabins are two different departments, as far as provisioning is concerned. Besides, the in-cabin Samsung tablet is most likely heavily subsidized by Samsung for the potential brand exposure, while there is no such sponsorship inside the cockpit.
The required software may also only be available on iPad at the moment.
Jul 5, 2011, 2:39 pm
#9
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Not necessarily.
The cockpits and cabins are two different departments, as far as provisioning is concerned. Besides, the in-cabin Samsung tablet is most likely heavily subsidized by Samsung for the potential brand exposure, while there is no such sponsorship inside the cockpit.
The required software may also only be available on iPad at the moment.
The cockpits and cabins are two different departments, as far as provisioning is concerned. Besides, the in-cabin Samsung tablet is most likely heavily subsidized by Samsung for the potential brand exposure, while there is no such sponsorship inside the cockpit.
The required software may also only be available on iPad at the moment.
Jul 6, 2011, 6:00 am
#10
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But, seriously, what's the answer to the question--
If electronic devices interfere with navigation below 10K feet...but not when pilots use them?
If electronic devices interfere with navigation below 10K feet...but not when pilots use them?
Jul 6, 2011, 11:55 am
#11
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The ipads the pilots are using , are not off the shelf units. They are slightly modified and then certified by an outside company to meet FAA requirements. I was reading in jetnet that it costs around $250 per unit for the mod and certification.
Jul 6, 2011, 12:20 pm
#12
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Dec 13, 2011, 2:52 pm
#13
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FAA approved using iPad's on American Airlines entire fleet.. Although they will start with the 777 and go from there. They can use the Ipad from push out to docking at gate.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57...ughout-planes/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57...ughout-planes/
Dec 13, 2011, 3:29 pm
#14
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FAA approved using iPad's on American Airlines entire fleet.. Although they will start with the 777 and go from there. They can use the Ipad from push out to docking at gate.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57...ughout-planes/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57...ughout-planes/
Dec 13, 2011, 3:40 pm
#15
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the modification, likely for water-proofing and shock resistance case etc.
just my guess.
nevertheless, even you can obtain a such FAA certified iPad your friendly FA still would kick you off plane if you don't turn it off during take off.