Electronic Flight Bag- What are the Benefits?

Since the release of the first iPad on April 3rd, 2010, the use of these devices in our industry has multiplied exponentially. An ever-growing list of Aviation-specific Applications continue to hit the market for use on both iOS and Android devices. Spearheading these Apps are those with Approved Data Service Provider status in their relevant country (e.g. CASA CASR 175.295/ NZ CAA CAR 175). OzRunways also launched in 2010 and is constantly evolving with greater intuitive functionality in this space. The Android version of the App, RWY is also continuing to grow and improve with greater consistency. Both Apps can be used on the relevant device for Briefing of all required Weather/ NOTAMs/ AIP information, Flight Planning, and in Flight as an excellent Situational Awareness tool. But what exactly are the benefits of using Electronic Flight Bag, particularly within a Commercial Organisation?  

1.     Compliance- 

How Can the device assist an individual or organisation with compliance in the eyes of the local governing body? If controlled correctly with features such as the OzRunways Enterprise Dashboard, benefits include:      

·       Subscription Management and approval of you Permitted EFB.

·       ALA/AD/HLS Register Management

·       Custom Document Library 

·       Flight Following/Faster SAR response

·       Legalised W&B 

·       Air-Law updates in real time

2.     Safety

We all want a safer operation and safer habits as pilots, generally in the form of good Airmanship. It’s important to note that use of an EFB should not come at the expense of what’s known as our Human Factor Skills (Lookout, Situational Awareness, Prioritising & Managing Tasks, Decision Making, and Effective Communication). When used correctly without over-dependence on automation, an EFB can improve our Situational Awareness quite successfully. Ways in which your EFB can improve safety:

·       Faster access to information

·       Reduce Crew Workload

·       100% coverage of weather, NOTAM and aeronautical information for any possible divert.

·       Relevant SOP’s automated

·       Enhanced SA in flight 

·       Reduced chance of human error

·       Potential to lock User ID’s and Aircraft Profiles

·       Inexpensive ADS-B IN capability for traffic to be shown in-app (GDL90 Protocol)

·       Improved Cockpit ergonomics

·       Importing of KML data reduces EMS/SAR response times

·       Reduced Corporate Risk

3.     Time savings

Let’s face it, one of the key reasons for the continual marching ahead of technology is to streamline our procedures and enhance commercial efficiency. Ways in which your EFB can save you time:

·       Planning Efficiency 

·       Cutting down on multiple data entry. 

·       Reducing human-mistakes

·       Save hours amending air-law documents, charts and approach plates each cycle.

·       Integrating with other relevant software to reduce duplicate data entry.

4.     Cost Savings

How can forking out for expensive hardware save me money I hear you ask? Have a look at the items listed above and think about how these benefits in Time, Safety, and Compliance alone will save money over the long term. Furthermore, the in-App planning functionality will allow you to save money through:  

·       Aircraft performance Optimisation (Altitude/Fuel Burn)

·       Choosing features like OzRunways TX instead of expensive satellite-based tracking systems. 

·       Save up to $593 per aircraft/year on charts and air-law documentation (calculated based on AIP data costs in addition to full suite of Amended Air-Law documents)

·       Paperless- Step into Digital Information Management

So as you can see, there’s far more than we take in at first glance when it comes to the benefits of a well-equipped and controlled EFB programme for both individual and organisation. Remember that a commercial EFB programme under an AOC needs to be approved by your governing body. Articles coming up in future editions include Commercial Requirements, EFB Human Factor considerations, Enterprise dashboard, and much more.