FAA OKs iPad for Pilots' Charts

True, they will not interfere with nav equipment and neither does any other electronic device people normally use. It is just the rules.

Pilots have had devices similar to iPads for many years and they are approved for use by the FAA during all phases of flight.

They usually have all their nav charts on them as well as other handy data.

FAA also mandates that paper copies of the charts be available at all times. That requirement will never go away.

Re: FAA also mandates that paper copies of the charts be available at all times. That requirement will never go away.

In the article (unless I missed something), they make no mention of a continuing requirement for paper copies, but instead mention the possible use of a 2nd iPad as the backup device. Anybody know for sure? (Of course, the article also says it is up to the individual companies to develop their plans, including plans for backup.

It has been a few years, but when I was working on commercial flight displays and EFB (Electronic Flight Bags - AKA iPads), a paper copy of charts must be available and technically used by the pilot.

However, it looks like a 2007 Advisory Circular (AC91-78) does allow either a secondary electronic copy or a paper copy as a backup. At least, that is how I interpret the circular.

Which type of backup is up to the pilot, but paper has the advantage of not requiring batteries and is immune to EMP and interference from lightning strikes (unless the paper ignites, but then there are bigger problems in the cabin).

From the website Paperless Cockpit, which provides a litttle more background:

"...Under the new OpSpecs authorization, EJM crew may use the iPad with Mobile TC in lieu of paper charts."

Not positive, but "in lieu of" seems pretty clear.

http://www.paperlesscockpit.com/2011/02/ejms-ipad-blessed-by-faa-with-jeppesens-help/

And the old charts make such good wrapping paper at Christmas.