Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2012-2013 - 59

PILOT’S GUIDE

Class Distinctions
The most important thing for the FAR 91 pilot to know is that Class 1 EFBs can basically be any portable device capable of displaying the charts and plates needed in the cockpit – appropriate for the flight (IFR, VFR). The Class 2 can be attached to the airplane, mounted or powered, but without interfacing with aircraft systems such as navigation or flight control and typically requires the application of an STC, type certificate or amended type certificate (ref: FAA order 8900.1). Class 3 EFBs are installed equipment and require all the approvals appropriate for the aircraft – even if removable. Remember: both Class 2 and 3 require some level of FAA approval for use, and the Class 1, only the ability to fulfill the chartproviding role. For most pilots, Class 1 is what they want, what they’re buying and where the paperwork of the chart makers declines rapidly.

solely on an EFB for navigational chart and plates must demonstrate the EFB’s ability to continue operating through and after a decompression event, regardless of altitude. The requirement obviates use of any computing device using a spinning-disc drive for data storage, unless it’s mounted in a sealed, pressure-proof enclosure. The good news: Most general aviation pilots need nothing more than Class 1, and they only need to be able to keep it powered through a flight to meet the requirements for the flight.

The business owner/pilot will likely be the toughest sell, depending on whether this candidate wants the best bargain or the most in cockpit utility. Unless the iPad is already part of the business person’s kit, the purpose-built EFB offers the simplest solution – ready to fly, out of the box. q Editor's Note: For iPad and tablet users looking to get the most out of your device, read the story titled “Flight Deck iPads & Tablets” on page 64.

The Alpha, Theta & Omega of EFB Converts
Different pilots and their different types of flying mean different solutions tailored to their wants and needs. The recreational aviator flying day, VFR, may eschew weather, and likely already owns a portable GPS. Custom-designing an iPad or Droid tablet may cover all the pilot’s needs. The needs of a corporate pilot may hinge on how state-of-the-art the company flight deck amenities are. A way to update charts electronically, every day, update a facilities guide and get weather the airplanes can’t, can go either way – aviation-specific or consumer-tablet-turned-EFB. If the airplane lacks live weather, however, weather datalink alone may be worth the price of the pilot’s admission.

The Legal Basics
Under Class 1, fulfilling the role of charting means IFR en route charts and approach plates if it’s an instrument flight; just displaying them is enough – as long as the pilot can see the entire document as needed, regardless of the need to zoom or pan the image. There’s a bit of a hitch in FAR 91: For large (more than 12,500 pounds) and turbine aircraft, FAR 91.503 requires the presence of navigational charts on the airplane. An operator depending

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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2012-2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2012-2013