Par 13 Page 25
(b) A description of EFB controls, displays, symbology, and failure modes. EFB failure modes and flightcrew procedures should include a description of the EFB (e.g., EFB processor, switches, and installed databases, such as an airport surface or en route moving map).
If color is a significant EFB application feature, then training materials should include color illustrations.
(c) An AFMS or another form of documentation that provides conditions, limitations, and procedures for the use of the EFB and its associated equipment. For instance, operators should train flightcrews on how to ensure that the airport charts and manuals are current, and what to do if they find that the software and/or databases are out-of-date. Only EFB provisions (mounts, wiring, etc.) for Class 2 EFBs or installation for Class 3 EFBs require an AFMS, unless approved by TSO. Class 1 and Class 2 EFBs and Type A and Type B EFB applications may require an alternative means of documentation that provides conditions, limitations, and procedures for use.
(d) Descriptions of authorized special flight maneuvers, operations, and procedures that the operator conducts when using an EFB.
(e) Any special pilot/controller procedures when using EFB-based information.
(f) Geographical areas authorized for specific EFB operations, if applicable.
(g) Authorized methods to defer inoperative EFB equipment.
(3) Operator training should also provide an opportunity for instruction, demonstration, and practice using the actual or simulated EFB equipment and displays. Base the EFB qualification curriculum segment (required for parts 121 and 135 operators) on functionality and complexity as agreed upon by the operator and the PI. In addition, EFB components installed in accordance with applicable airworthiness regulations may contain EFB training guidance in the airplane’s FSB report.
(4) Parts 121 and 135 operators are required to conduct initial fleet training. PIs will issue a letter authorizing an operator to instruct personnel under the EFB curriculum segment, pending an evaluation of training effectiveness. This also allows FAA inspectors who are responsible for certificate management to become familiar with the operator’s EFB and equipment. After the PI evaluates the operator’s EFB curriculum segment and determines that it is satisfactory, the PI issues an interim authorization to the operator. This authorizes the operator to continue training in accordance with the operator’s approved training program.
m. Pilot Training Program.
(1) Parts 91K, 121, and 135 Operators. Except when under the supervision of an appropriately trained check airman, the flightcrew may need to complete an approved training program before being authorized to use the EFB equipment. However, flightcrew members should have satisfactorily completed the ground school portion of the EFB training program, if required. Training as outlined in this AC is only applicable to those flightcrew members that actually operate the equipment. Training is not required of crewmembers that are not authorized to use the equipment, even though it may be installed in the aircraft, unless it is operated under
Page 26 Par 13 the supervision of a check airman. For air carrier operations, initial qualification with the EFB may require that the flightcrew members demonstrate satisfactory proficiency with the EFB to an FAA inspector or check airman; this may be completed during a line check.
(2) Part 125 Operators. Although no training program requirements exist for part 125 operators, the flightcrew members should have satisfactorily completed the ground school portion of the EFB training program before performing under the supervision of a check airman (part 125) or evaluation by an authorized instructor. The PI may authorize an individual
(e.g., the company chief pilot, company check airman, or training course provider) to complete this evaluation. The flightcrew must have a satisfactory evaluation of their performance in the use of the EFB in flight before using the equipment in normal operations.
(3) Part 91F Operators. The primary source of operational and training guidance will be provided through the FITS, which can be obtained through the equipment manufacturer or AFS-800 at Washington HQ. The appropriate FITS program may be used to determine the appropriate best practices for familiarization with and use of the equipment. Each operator’s EFB program should identify and document user training in support of the use of an EFB.
n. Simulator and Flight Evaluations.
(1) Simulator Evaluations. Simulators and other approved training devices
(e.g., procedures trainers) may be used as a tool to evaluate the overall quality of the training given and/or to evaluate EFB performance before granting authorization for use. The level of simulation fidelity required depends upon the type of use/credit being sought. Some of the EFB characteristics and flight deck integration issues that should be evaluated via simulation include:
• The flightcrew’s use of displays;
• EFB control use;
• Alert reactions;
• Auto-ranging configuration;
• Self-tests;
• Flightcrew procedures; and
• Failure mode analysis.
(2) Flight Evaluations.
(a) Base the number of flight evaluations required to validate a particular EFB before authorizing its use (including its hosted applications) on:
• Type of aircraft;
• Aircraft system architecture;
• Flightcrew workload considerations;
• Credit given for previously certified installations; and
• Past simulator and ground testing.
(b) The PI needs to evaluate the actual requirement for a flight test for each request.
The PI will determine if an approved training device or an actual flight evaluation is required. If
Par 13 Page 27 adequate evaluation of changes in the EFB, including software upgrades, is not possible on the ground or in simulators, it may require flight testing.
o. Need for Approved Manuals. The aircraft must carry an FAA-approved AFMS onboard at all times when the EFB equipment is installed in accordance with applicable airworthiness regulations. However, § 121.141 permits an operator to carry a manual that meets the requirements of § 121.133 onboard a transport category aircraft in lieu of the AFM, provided that the manual contains all AFM/AFMS limitations and identifies them as AFM/AFMS requirements. These manuals can be in an electronic format provided the operator has paperless authorization for the flight manual and/or company manual.
p. ICAs.
(1) Although a source independent of the operator may provide ongoing maintenance and support for EFB equipment, the operator is responsible for compliance with all regulatory requirements.
(2) The maintenance or inspection program should identify inspection items, establish time-in-service intervals for maintenance and inspections, and provide the details of the proposed methods and procedures. The maintenance or inspection program should also include ICAs for the STC or FAA design or installation approval.
(3) It is important for operators to coordinate with their PI on airworthiness-related considerations early in the process to determine the appropriate authorizations necessary for each EFB application.
q. MELs. Operators may update their MELs to reflect the installation of this equipment.
Changes made to the operator’s MEL should be made in accordance with the approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
r. EFB Substitution/Use in More Than One Aircraft. The operator may substitute compatible EFBs for use in other aircraft. Specific procedures are necessary to ensure that an EFB is fully compatible with other aircraft and their systems prior to placement into service. It is also necessary to develop procedures to ensure that any aircraft-specific data captured in EFB memory is archived for that aircraft when the EFB moves to another aircraft.
s. User Feedback. Parts 121 and 135 operators should implement a formal process for gathering feedback. Use this process during design, installation, modifications, or improvements to procedures and/or training.
t. Paperless Authorization.
(1) Certificated Operators. FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 18, Section 3, OpSpec A061, and Volume 4, Chapter 15, contain general policy guidance and requirements for obtaining authorization for use of EFBs by certificated operators. The issuance of OpSpec A061 gives operational authorization for an air carrier or commercial operator who intends to use EFBs for flight operations. It may be necessary to issue or amend other OpSpecs, as appropriate. The
Page 28 Par 13 OpSpec must reference the company documents, records, or manuals presented with the operator’s application.
(2) Part 91F (Noncertificated Operators). EFBs used in part 91 operations in lieu of paper reference material are authorized for the intended functions provided the EFBs meet the criteria set forth in this AC. The evaluation and suitability for in-flight use of an EFB in lieu of paper reference material is the responsibility of the aircraft operator and the PIC. Any Type A or Type B EFB application, as defined in this AC, may be substituted for the paper equivalent. It requires no formal operational approval as long as the guidelines of this AC are followed.
(a) Any Type A or Type B EFB application, as defined in this AC, may be substituted for the paper equivalent. When the EFB replaces aeronautical information required by 14 CFR part 91, then a secondary or backup source of aeronautical information necessary for the flight must be available to the pilot in the aircraft. The secondary or backup information may be either traditional paper-based material or displayed electronically by other means.
(b) The aircraft operator and/or PIC are responsible for showing compliance with all the requirements of subparagraph 13c. This should be in written form onboard the aircraft. The EFB system onboard must be functionally equivalent to the paper reference material which the information is replacing. The pilot verifies that all information used for navigation, aircraft operation, or performance planning is current, up-to-date, and valid.
(c) The aircraft operator and/or PIC is responsible for making an assessment of the human/machine interface and aspects governing Crew Resource Management (CRM) in accordance with the human factors considerations of this AC. This requires training in EFB procedures and use, preflight checks of the system, the use of each operational function on the EFB, and procedures for cross-checking data entry and computed information. Also included in this training are the conditions (including phases of flight) when EFB use should be terminated.
u. Electronic Authorization. Final authorization for use of electronic documents, in lieu of required paper documents, requires:
(1) Operational evaluation completion, including the validation report;
(2) Reliable EFB information available for each flightcrew member;
(3) Compliance with FSB reports and/or OSRs, if available;
(4) EFB maintenance and fault reporting procedures in place;
(5) Non-interference testing as specified within AC 91.21-1 and this AC;
Par 13 Page 29 (and 30)
(6) Results from rapid decompression testing and related mitigating procedures when the EFB system hosts applications that are required to be used during flight following a rapid decompression; and
(7) OpSpec A061 authorization, as appropriate.
ORIGINAL SIGNED by /s/ John Hickey for Margaret S. Gilligan Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety
Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1. EXAMPLES OF TYPE A ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG (EFB)
APPLICATIONS REQUIRING PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PI) AUTHORIZATION
• Flight Operations Manuals (FOM). (If no flight operating procedures.)
• Flight Attendant (F/A) manuals. (If no flight operating procedures.)
• Company standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Airport diversion policy guidance, including a list of special designated airports and/or approved airports with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) support facilities.
• Operations specifications (OpSpecs).
• Cockpit observer briefing cards.
• For smaller aircraft, pilot’s operating handbooks (POH), including POH section IX supplements.
• Aircraft performance data manuals (fixed non-interactive material).
• Airport performance restrictions manual (e.g., a reference for takeoff and landing performance calculations).
• Weight and Balance (W&B) manual, if a separate manual (fixed non-interactive material).
• Other aircraft performance data manuals, including specialized performance data for use in conjunction with advanced wake vortex modeling techniques, land-and-hold-short operations (LAHSO) predictions, etc. (fixed non-interactive material for planning purposes).
• Maintenance manuals.
• Aircraft maintenance reporting manuals.
• Aircraft flight log and servicing records.
• Autopilot approach and autoland records.
• Flight management system (FMS)/flight management and guidance system problem report forms.
• Aircraft parts manuals.
• Service Bulletins (SB)/published Airworthiness Directives (AD), etc.
• Airlines for America (A4A) 100-format maintenance discrepancy writeup codes.
• Required Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) check records.
• Minimum equipment lists (MEL).
• Configuration Deviation Lists (CDL).
• Federal, State, and airport-specific rules and regulations.
• Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) data (e.g., fuel availability, LAHSO distances for specific runway combinations, etc.).
• Noise abatement procedures for arriving and departing aircraft.
• Published (graphical) pilot Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).
• International Operations Manuals, including regional supplementary information and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) differences.
• Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP).
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
• Oceanic navigation progress logs.
• Pilot flight and duty-time logs.
• Flightcrew required rest logs.
Appendix 1
• Flightcrew qualification logs (such as aircraft qualifications, Class II flightcrew qualifications, Category (CAT) III qualifications, high minimums logs, night currency logs, pilot-in-command (PIC) qualifications for special areas, routes, and airports for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 certificate holders and special airports qualifications).
• Captain’s report (i.e., captain’s incident reporting form).
• Flightcrew survey forms (various).
• EMS reference library (for use during medical emergencies).
• Trip scheduling and bid lists.
• Aircraft captain’s logs.
• Aircraft’s CAT II/CAT III landing records.
• Antiterrorism profile data.
• Hazardous materials (hazmat)/oxidizer look-up tables.
• ICAO DOC 9481, Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods.
• Customs declaration and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agriculture inspection/clearance form.
• Special reporting forms, such as near midair collision (NMAC) reports, National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), bird and wildlife encounters, owner-initiated Service Difficulty Reports (SDR), etc.
• Incidents of interference to aircraft electronic equipment from devices carried onboard aircraft.
• Current fuel prices at various airports.
• Realistic training modules, including “personal computer (PC) at home” training applications, “off-duty” training materials review, and pre-flight “mission” rehearsals.
• Check airman and flight instructor records.
• Aircraft operating and information manuals (performance information, W&B, systems, limitations, etc.).
• Airline Policy and Procedures Manuals (PPM).
• Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM).
• Title 14 CFR.
• Look-up and completion of various reporting forms; e.g., company-specific forms, NASA’s ASRS reports, NMAC reports, wildlife strike and hazard reports.
• Maintenance personnel signoff of discrepancy form. (Maintenance discrepancy logs need to be downloaded into a permanent record at least weekly.)
• Flightcrew qualifications recordkeeping, including aircraft qualifications, CAT II/III, high minimums, landing currency, flight and duty time, etc.
• PIC currency requirements.
• Passenger information requests—some are directed to the gate or to the agent meeting the flight (e.g., special meal requests, wheelchair requirements, unaccompanied minors, gate information for connecting flights, flights being held for connecting passengers).
Appendix 1 Page 3 (and 4)
• Cabin maintenance write ups. (Maintenance discrepancy logs need to be downloaded into a permanent record at least weekly.)
• Approved electronic signature using public key infrastructure (PKI) or private key technology.
Appendix 2 Page 1 (and 2) APPENDIX 2. EXAMPLES OF TYPE B ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG (EFB)
APPLICATIONS REQUIRING PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PI) AUTHORIZATION FOR USE
• Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFM) (or Rotorcraft Flight Manuals (RFM)) and Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS).
• Flight Attendant (F/A) manuals that include flight operating procedures.
• Flight Operations Manuals (FOM), including emergency procedures.
• Company FOMs.
• Takeoff, en route, approach and landing, missed approach, go-around, etc., performance calculations. Data derived from algorithmic data or performance calculations based on software algorithms.
• Power settings for reduced thrust settings.
• Runway limiting performance calculations.
• Cost index modeling.
• Master flight plan/updating.
• Interactive plotting for Class II navigation.
• Mission rehearsals.
• Weight and Balance (W&B) calculations.
• Maintenance discrepancy signoff logs. (Maintenance discrepancy logs need to be downloaded into a permanent record at least weekly.)
• Cabin maintenance discrepancy reporting forms/location codes. (Maintenance discrepancy logs need to be downloaded into a permanent record at least weekly.)
• Non-interactive electronic approach charts in a precomposed format from accepted sources.
• Panning, zooming, scrolling, and rotation for approach charts.
• Precomposed or dynamic interactive electronic aeronautical charts (e.g., en route, area and approach, and airport surface maps) including, but not limited to, centering and page turning, but without display of airborne aircraft/own-ship position.
• Electronic checklists, including normal, abnormal, and emergency. Refer to the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 120-64, Operational Use and Modification of Electronic Checklists, for additional guidance. EFB electronic checklists cannot be interactive with other aircraft systems.
• Applications that make use of the Internet and/or other Aircraft Operational Communications (AOC) or company maintenance-specific data links to collect, process, and then disseminate data for uses such as spare parts and budget management, spares/inventory control, unscheduled maintenance scheduling, etc. (Maintenance discrepancy logs need to be downloaded into a permanent record at least weekly.)
• Weather and aeronautical data.
• Aircraft Cabin and exterior video surveillance displays.