FAA Lets One U.S. Air Carrier Begin Using iPads In The Cockpit
March 1, 2011
The days of pilots using paper maps to help find their way could become a memory, as they are replaced by iPads. In news first reported by CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is allowing one charter company, Executive Jet Management, to use the iDevice in the cockpit. Assuming this is successful, other carriers could follow.
The FAA’s approval followed three months of testing and evaluation of the iPad, along with Mobile TC, a map app developed by aviation chartmaker Jeppesen.
According to the CNN report, the FAA has only approved the plan for Executive Jet Management, but other companies will surely follow.
They report:
It is a milestone for all operators, including major airlines, because it opens the door for them to embrace the iPad. Though any company wishing to follow Executive Jet's lead will have to endure equally rigorous scrutiny by the FAA.This is big news, given that the iPad is less than one year old. It is also a further sign of its popularity and versatility. In this case, it could save a lot of trees, as pilots typically carry up to 20 pounds or more of charts for each flight.