Photo: Astronics Corp.
Astronics Corp. has received approval from EASA, Transport Canada and Direccíon General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC Mexico) for its webFB wireless electronic flight bag (EFB) installation and use for on Boeing 737 aircraft, Astronics said.
Installation approval was achieved by Astronics subsidiaries, Astronics Armstrong Aerospace and Astronics Ballard Technology. The webFB was granted and initial supplemental type certification (STC) by the FAA last year.
“These approvals will enable installation of the webFB on aircraft not only in the US, but now throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico,” said Jon Neal, VP and GM of Astronics Ballard Technology. “The wireless webFB device enables airlines to provide avionics data connectivity to their portable EFBs with a simple install requiring minimal downtime. A fleet-wide implementation could be completed in days rather than years.”
Astronics said that although small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, webFB incorporates the capabilities of an aircraft interface device (AID) and a wireless server. The aircraft’s ARINC 429 and 717 data buses feeds the AID, and the information is then conveyed to software of EFB apps hosted on the internal server. Along with the installation approvals, Astronics said it is also working with airlines that are currently evaluating the webFB to increase operational efficiencies.
“Airlines and software partners are developing a variety of enhanced EFB applications for the webFB including flight optimization, electronic tech logs, and real-time Quick Access Recorder (QAR) monitoring and event notifications,” the company said.
The STC also covers installation of the Astronics AES EmPower flight deck USB UltraLite Power System, which allows for inflight charging of portable EFBs.