The FAA has released AC 91-78A, updating guidance for aircraft owners, operators, and pilots under Title 14 CFR part 91 on using Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs). This update simplifies replacing traditional paper information with digital solutions, including hosted database and software applications, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
EFBs like iFlightPlanner have been be a game-changer, allowing pilots to store and retrieve essential flight information electronically, such flight plans, regulatory compliant weather briefs, weight and balance calculations, aeronautical charts, and more. The new guidance clears the way for fully digitized cockpits, provided the digital information meets specific criteria: it must not replace required aircraft systems, should be equivalent to the paper versions, must be current and accurate, and should not interfere with flight operations.
Additionally, the AC recommends assessments for human-machine interface and Crew Resource Management (CRM), and highlights the importance of training and security procedures to ensure safe and effective use of EFBs.
» FAA AC 91-78A: Use of Electronic Flight Bags
