OzRunways EFB
In this edition we delve into the basic functionality of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) using applications like OzRunways on iPad, or RWY on an Android device. The information provided is for those aviators not so familiar with EFB. Many thanks to Bas Scheffers, OzRunways CEO for co-writing this edition!
When you think of avionics upgrades, an iPad may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but coupled with EFB software like OzRunways, they can provide a lot of situational awareness and safety enhancements at a low cost. When the iPad was introduced in 2010, using them as Electronic Flight Bags was obvious to many in aviation and they have become a mainstay for anyone from recreational pilots flying ultralights, to EMS helicopter operators and airlines spanning the globe. And it’s easy to see why: quality full-colour high resolution topographical aviation maps, where some panel-mount avionics and portable GPS units could barely manage schematic maps of airspace and coastlines. iPad EFBs can also replace all the paper approach charts and the rest of the AIP, although be sure to carry redundancy in some form.
Gone are the days of planning on paper or PC, or carrying volumes of paper into the cockpit and then navigating with hard to use portables or trying to fold maps. OzRunways does all those tasks in a single App. Create your plan by tapping on waypoints and easily insert extra ones along the way by simply dragging (“rubber-banding”) the track line; integrate winds, calculate distances and highly accurate flight times, and fuel burn based on aircraft performance at varying altitudes.
Once in the aircraft, hit “Go Fly” and when used correctly, OzRunways gives superb situational awareness of terrain, weather, and even other traffic using OzRunways or an ADS-B receiver. Remember to maintain your lookout, an EFB is not there to breed complacency and may not represent ALL the traffic! The GNSS function on iPads not only uses plain GPS, but also SBAS systems like WAAS and EGNOS where available as well as the Russian GLONASS constellation. They do very well in acquisition speed and accuracy in the air when given an open sky. If your aircraft shields the signal too much, external GPS units are also readily available.
And of course, iPads are connected. Not only does this allow data updates, weather briefings, radar overlays, and flight plan filing on the ground, but cellular connections good enough for weather updates are available in the air more often than not in light aircraft; in fact much more so than they are on the ground in remote areas. It’s important to note however, there is no network connection required in flight. All of OzRunways’ maps and documents for the route segments being flown must be downloaded before flight so they are available even when the mobile data network is not. Pre-flight your EFB device with the same mindset you pre-flight your aircraft.
OzRunways is the EFB application of choice Down Under, with 22,000 active subscriptions in Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Latin America. The team of 14 permanent staff across the region are able to provide support around the clock and guarantee continuity of data updates, application improvements and provide customised training sessions. Many major aviation organisations rely on OzRunways for their daily operations, including Regional Express (Rex), Becker Helicopters, LifeFlight, CareFlight, and RAAF to name but a few.
It’s easy to try OzRunways. Simply search for it on the Apple App Store on your iPad or iPhone, or for RWY in the Play Store on your Android device, then start a 30-day unrestricted trial of all features with a single tap. Pilots can subscribe individually on the OzRunways website, and if you have any questions about the App or would like to know more about corporate subscription and support options, simply contact support@ozrunways.com.
In upcoming articles we’ll get more specific, looking at mounting and power considerations, Commercial AOC requirements and Enterprise assistance, as well as Human Factors gotchas. Safe Flying!