Chapter AC No: 91-78A
Use of Electronic Flight Bags
7. RTCA DO-200B, Standards for Processing Aeronautical Data.
7. DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions are specific to this AC and may differ with those definitions contained in other published references.
7.1 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
An electronic display system intended primarily for flight deck or cabin use. A portable or installed EFB can display a variety of traditional paper information (e.g., checklists, aeronautical charts, and pilot’s operating handbooks (POH)) and/or complete algorithmic functions (e.g., deice holdover times, Weight and Balance (W&B), performance, and fuel calculations). The scope of the EFB system functionality may also include various other hosted databases and applications. Physical EFB displays may be portable, attached to a mounting device, or built into the aircraft.
7.2 Portable Electronic Device (PED).
These devices are typically consumer commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic devices functionally capable of communications, data processing, and/or utility (refer to the PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Report, September 2013). Compliance with PED regulations is further explained in AC 91.21-1. The use of any PED in an aircraft is subject to compliance with PED regulations (§ 91.21) and must be evaluated by the user or operator prior to use to ensure the PED will not interfere in any way with the operation of aircraft. The definition of a PED includes Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (T-PED).
8. BACKGROUND.
Operators have long recognized the benefits of using COTS PEDs (e.g., tablets and laptops) to perform a variety of functions traditionally accomplished using paper references. EFB systems may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots typically carry in the flight deck. EFBs can electronically store and retrieve information required for flight operations, such as the POH and supplements, minimum equipment lists (MEL), W&B calculations, aeronautical charts, and terminal procedures. EFB systems are being developed to support functions during all phases of flight operations.
9. REMOVAL OF PAPER FROM THE FLIGHT DECK FOR OPERATIONS UNDER PART 91.
9.1 Criteria.
EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed meets the following criteria:
- The EFB system does not replace any system or equipment (e.g., navigation,
- communication, or surveillance system) that is required by part 91.
- 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.
- The interactive or precomposed information being used for navigation or performance planning is current, up to date, and valid, as verified by the pilot.
- 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.
9.2 In-Flight Use of EFBs.
The in-flight use of EFB systems to depict images in lieu of paper reference material is the decision of the aircraft operator and the pilot in command (PIC). Any Type A or Type B EFB application, as defined in AC 120-76, may be substituted for the paper equivalent. It requires no formal operational approval as long as the guidelines of this AC are followed.