[Avionics Today April 7, 2014] Jeppesen has announced approval from the FAA for the use of the iPad mini in the cockpit when paired with its Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solutions.
The Boeing Digital Aviation subsidiary worked with the FAA FAA Seattle Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) to evaluate the usability of Jeppesen charts and enroute map on the iPad mini. Jeppesen was required to undergo the evaluation so that the agency could ensure that the smaller iPad screen was suitable for use in the cockpit.
During the evaluation, FAA officials used the Jeppesen mobile FliteDeck program to access aviation data. The agency requires FAR Part 91K, 121, 125, and 135 fractional, commuter, on-demand operators and air carriers to gain formal authorization to use EFB solutions during flight.
“We find that Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solutions on compact tablets including iPad mini…are operationally suitable for use as primary reference to Jeppesen charts and maps on the flightdeck during all phases of flight," the agency said in its letter of approval.