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The pace of consumer electronics development far outstrips that of aviation equipment and helicopter installed functionality. Electronic Flight Bags are becoming a fixture in cockpits throughout the industry. For about AUD$799 in 2020 you can bring a range of features with you into any legacy aircraft that would have previously either been impossible or would have been prohibitively expensive.
Electronic Flight Bags or EFBs are off the shelf consumer tablet devices running a range of aviation software with iOS hardware making up most of the market.
At their simplest they replaced having to carry a suite of hardcopy documents into the cabin but now provide to the ability to conduct or augment almost all aspects of flying administration.
Weather forecast downloads and plotting, flight planning, weight and balance, flight notification, moving map display, airborne access to weather radars, flight following, traffic situational awareness, debriefing and logbook recording can all be achieved without touching a piece of paper and in most cases without any modification to the helicopter flown.
Check the resource links below for EFB training videos that Andy has provided for listeners
Like any aviation tool though there is a need to know the regulations that apply to EFBs, their limitations, human factors involved in using them and training to get the most out of them.
Andy Boniface is a Grade 1 Instructor with Instrument and NVIS training endorsements who has been deeply immersed in EFB use and training for several years. Outside of his flying roles Andy now consults with companies to assist them to setup regulator approved EFB programs for their aircrew and fleets.
In this interview Andy takes us on a wide look at the development of EFBs up to their current evolution, tips and tricks for optimising their usage and where both aircrew and helicopter operators can come unstuck either from human factors impacts or through conflict with different country regulator requirements.
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Links from this week’s episode:
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Airspace Flight Solutions – Andy’s company. Access several free short EFB training videos.
Do you have a top tip for using an electronic flight bag? Be part of the conversation by leaving a comment below. What software do you run?
Don’t forget to visit Andy’s webpage with videos for RWS listeners – https://www.airspaceflightsolutions.com/rotarywingshow