NetJets subsidiary Executive Jet Management has received US FAA approval to use an Apple iPad App from Jeppesen as a portable electronic flight bag (EFB). This approval sets a precedent that other business and commercial aircraft operators will soon follow.
The Jeppesen Mobile TC (terminal charts) iPad App, turns the tablet into a Class 1 kneeboard EFB. Executive Jet is using the solution as the sole reference for electronic charts – including during taxi, takeoff and landing – on “10 different aircraft types” in its fleet.
FAA authorisation was only granted following an intensive three-month in-flight evaluation, which included a rapid decompression test on the iPad to 51,000ft (15,555m) and non-interference testing. The Executive Jet evaluation of the Class I iPad EFB is also expected to be gaining future authorisation for Class 2 mounted configurations.