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by Kerry Lynch, AINonline

The FAA has agreed to publish a policy statement on the use of remote connectivity technology and tools that align with industry-recommended guidance as the agency works to release more formal guidance. Its statement comes as the industry has pushed for such guidance that paves the way for use of live stream or other visual and audio tools for activities such as inspection and tests.

In an August 7 letter to Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) executive director Sarah MacLeod, senior FAA officials said they anticipate release of an Advisory Circular on use of remote connectivity technology and tools in October 2019, but the interim policy statement would be issued in the coming months.

...read the full article on AINonline, HERE!

This story originally appeared on AIN.

The FAA has signaled a sea-change in its attitude about display of own-ship position on electronic flight bags (EFBs) and has issued new Advisory Circular (AC) guidance supporting that feature. The agency also is stepping back from in-depth involvement with operators in managing their EFB programs.

AC120-76D replaces the -C version issued in 2014, which for commercial operators specifically prohibited use of geo-referencing or own-ship position display while using moving-map features in the air. Use of geo-referencing on the ground was previoulsy considered acceptable by the agency.

This new guidance applies to Part 91, 91K, 121, 125 and 135 operators, but only 91K through 135 operators are required to seek FAA approval of their EFB programs. Part 91 operators can use EFBs as they wish, without formal approval, and many pilots have been using geo-referenced moving maps and approach charts to aid situational awareness since the iPad entered the market in 2010.

Read the expanded version on AIN, HERE.