American Airlines approved to use iPads over paper charts

Posted:
in iPad edited January 2014
Six months after receiving approval from the FAA to test of iPads as replacements for traditional paper flight charts, American Airlines is set to be the first major commercial carrier to use Apple's device in all phases of flight.



Citing an unnamed source, ZDNet reported on Tuesday that American Airlines (AA) will become the first major airline in the world to have FAA approval to use iPads as digital flight manual readers, and will begin replacing traditional paper charts on Friday.



The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration allowed AA to begin testing the so-called electronic flight bags in June, specifically approving the iPad to run an app that provides pilots with critical information during all phases of flight. It was the first time the FAA allowed an exception to its regulation prohibiting "class 1" electronic devices from being operated during takeoff and landing.



The Allied Pilots Association and AA collaborated with navigation and planning company Jeppesen to develop the iPad Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). The Boeing-owned company notes that its FliteDeck Pro Enroute application is the only FAA-approved digital replacement to paper counterparts, though AA has not stated whether it will use the program as its official EFB.



Pilots will use the iPad in place of existing 40-pound paper charts and manuals, enhancing efficiency and safety on the flight deck as well as saving an estimated $1.2 million in fuel costs.



Since testing began in June, AA pilots have flown thousands of hours with iPads in every stage of flight to evaluate the viability of the device as a flight tool. Previous reports indicated that flights between Los Angeles, Tokyo and Shanghai acted as the test routes for the experiment.



Screenshots of Jeppesen's FliteDeck Pro Enroute | Source: Jeppesen



Operations will begin on select routes using Boeing's 777 aircraft and plans call for iPad implementation across the entire AA fleet, though no time frame was given as to when the rollout will be completed.



Both the iPad and iPad 2 have been approved for use, and other airlines like United, Alaska and UPS are reviewing its potential. Delta has also indicated interest in replacing its traditional flight bags and started testing iPads in August.



Update: Apple-licensed aviation integration company Avionic and Systems Integration Group (ASIG) contacted AppleInsider on Wednesday to note that its partner, the Chicago-based carrier N-Jet, was the first commercial air carrier to achieve a paperless A061 FAA issued operational specification. That approval came in December of 2010.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 33
    "Pilots using AA-issued iPads will not be able to install Words With Friends."
  • Reply 2 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by macinthe408 View Post


    "Pilots using AA-issued iPads will not be able to install Words With Friends."



    That is a good point. Is this a dedicated device? Has the FAA ban distracted flying?
  • Reply 3 of 33
    dualiedualie Posts: 334member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post


    ...American Airlines (AA) will become the first airline in the world to have FAA approval to use iPads....




    "FAA", "approval", and "world" are not words that go together well since the Federal Aviation Administration doesn't exist outside the U.S. Was it really necessary to exaggerate?
  • Reply 4 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by dualie View Post


    "FAA", "approval", and "world" are not words that go together well since the Federal Aviation Administration doesn't exist outside the U.S. Was it really necessary to exaggerate?



    I don't get your point. The statement you quoted was completely accurate. You do know that airlines based outside the US also have to fly into the US and need FAA approval for that, right?
  • Reply 5 of 33
    malaxmalax Posts: 1,598member
    Can the rest of us use our iPads throughout our flights on American Airlines too?



    Oh that's right that imaginary threat of RF interference or something. Except apparently it's ok if they are in the cockpit?
  • Reply 6 of 33
    Does that mean we can play Words with Friends without causing problems with the aircraft?
  • Reply 7 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by malax View Post


    Can the rest of us use our iPads throughout our flights on American Airlines too?



    Oh that's right that imaginary threat of RF interference or something. Except apparently it's ok if they are in the cockpit?



    I too wonder if the Pilots will have to turn off their iPads the second the door closes until at least 15 minutes into the flight like the rest of us passengers. Those Pilot iPads are a lot closer to critical instruments than I am in coach. \
  • Reply 8 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ppartekim View Post


    I too wonder if the Pilots will have to turn off their iPads the second the door closes until at least 15 minutes into the flight like the rest of us passengers. Those Pilot iPads are a lot closer to critical instruments than I am in coach. \



    Mostly those precautions as just that, a precaution. Any commercial airplane will have all its instruments heavily shielded, but even with devices getting FCC approval you never really know what's out there.



    Also, 250 people using iPads is a lot different than two people using iPads.



    I think what the FAA and FCC want to do is introduce devices very gradually, and in a very controlled way.



    This wikipedia article may be helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_on_aircraft

    And this article regarding Alec Baldwin: http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Threat+portable+electronics+planes+hazy+rules+clea r/5846459/story.html
  • Reply 9 of 33
    jragostajragosta Posts: 10,473member
    Wow. It's too bad that iPads are just toys and overgrown iPod Touches. No one would ever have any serious use for them.
  • Reply 10 of 33
    The reason you can't use your iPad during take off and landing isn't because of some radio interference. It's the same reason I can't lean my seat back an extra 1.75 inches or your tray needs to be up. They would like a little focus while they're getting something the size of a large house,that's packed to the gills with people and luggage, to actually fly. Take off and landing are dangerous but short and should something go wrong 200 iPads flying through the cabin would suck. If an emergency escape from the craft is needed more people will have a chance at getting out alive if nobodies seat is leaned back and none of the trays are down.
  • Reply 11 of 33
    apple ][apple ][ Posts: 9,233member
    It has been rumored that Android tablets are also currently undergoing testing, but unfortunately things haven't been going too smoothly so far.



    One pilot on a test flight was using an Android tablet to chart their course, but apparently the map was functioning so choppy and laggy on the tablet, that the flight, which was scheduled to land in New York, actually ended up landing in Boston instead.



    And in other airline related news, Air Zimbabwe has placed an order for 50 Kindle Fires to use as navigation systems on their airline.
  • Reply 12 of 33
    muppetrymuppetry Posts: 3,331member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ppartekim View Post


    I too wonder if the Pilots will have to turn off their iPads the second the door closes until at least 15 minutes into the flight like the rest of us passengers. Those Pilot iPads are a lot closer to critical instruments than I am in coach. \



    The third paragraph of the article clearly answers your question.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post


    The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration allowed AA to begin testing the so-called electronic flight bags in June, specifically approving the iPad to run an app that provides pilots with critical information during all phases of flight. It was the first time the FAA allowed an exception to its regulation prohibiting "class 1" electronic devices from being operated during takeoff and landing.



  • Reply 13 of 33
    dualiedualie Posts: 334member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by addicted44 View Post


    I don't get your point. The statement you quoted was completely accurate. You do know that airlines based outside the US also have to fly into the US and need FAA approval for that, right?





    Only SOME airlines outside the U.S. "have to fly into the US." It's simply ridiculous to suggest otherwise. The original statement is completely inaccurate and a silly, needless exaggeration. The U.S. is obviously very important, but it's not the center of the universe. The FAA doesn't control what happens in every airline in every country. Try telling that to some in Europe, or Russia or China and you'll be laughed out of the room as a buffoon. Besides, if what you suggest is true, that the FAA dictates rules for the world's airlines, then it's even more of an exaggeration to include the word "world" because it would be ipso facto and therefor unnecessary to even point out, except to needlessly exaggerate.
  • Reply 14 of 33
    apple ][apple ][ Posts: 9,233member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by dualie View Post


    Only SOME airlines outside the U.S. "have to fly into the US." It's simply ridiculous to suggest otherwise. The original statement is completely inaccurate and a silly, needless exaggeration. The U.S. is obviously very important, but it's not the center of the universe. The FAA doesn't control what happens in every airline in every country. Try telling that to some in Europe, or Russia or China and you'll be laughed out of the room as a buffoon. Besides, if what you suggest is true, that the FAA dictates rules for the world's airlines, then it's even more of an exaggeration to include the word "world" because it would be ipso facto and therefor unnecessary to even point out, except to needlessly exaggerate.



    You're only digging yourself deeper.



    First of all, it is not AppleInsider which wrote that line which you are apparently whining about. And the statement is not an exaggeration at all, it is completely accurate.
  • Reply 15 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by muppetry View Post


    The third paragraph of the article clearly answers your question.



    You're forgetting something....he would've had to read the article before he posted a comment to know that.
  • Reply 16 of 33
    jd_in_sbjd_in_sb Posts: 1,600member
    Now they can set the plane on autopilot and play Angry Birds HD. That's a fun job.
  • Reply 17 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Doctor David View Post


    The reason you can't use your iPad during take off and landing isn't because of some radio interference. It's the same reason I can't lean my seat back an extra 1.75 inches or your tray needs to be up. They would like a little focus while they're getting something the size of a large house,that's packed to the gills with people and luggage, to actually fly. Take off and landing are dangerous but short and should something go wrong 200 iPads flying through the cabin would suck. If an emergency escape from the craft is needed more people will have a chance at getting out alive if nobodies seat is leaned back and none of the trays are down.



    Nice!
  • Reply 18 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Doctor David View Post


    The reason you can't use your iPad during take off and landing isn't because of some radio interference. It's the same reason I can't lean my seat back an extra 1.75 inches or your tray needs to be up. They would like a little focus while they're getting something the size of a large house,that's packed to the gills with people and luggage, to actually fly. Take off and landing are dangerous but short and should something go wrong 200 iPads flying through the cabin would suck. If an emergency escape from the craft is needed more people will have a chance at getting out alive if nobodies seat is leaned back and none of the trays are down.



    This is a web forum...



    Logic and reason have no place here!
  • Reply 19 of 33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum View Post


    This is a web forum...



    Logic and reason have no place here!



    I can help with that: how do they know that the pilots are AA members?
  • Reply 20 of 33
    2oh12oh1 Posts: 503member
    Somewhere, Alec Baldwin is fuming. Not that he's any less of an idiot for not following instructions, but still.
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