Alaska Airlines Replaces Paper Manuals With iPads
by Joe White
May 28, 2011
Alaska Airlines has become the the first major domestic airline to replace paper manuals with iPads.
The introduction of iPads in the cockpit enhances safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the device is lighter than the 25 pounds of paper manuals pilots are required to carry with them when flying. And of course, this is all good news for the environment, too.
As outlined in a press release that hit the Web yesterday:
The iPads are being distributed to all Alaska Airlines pilots, a process that will be complete by mid-June. This follows a successful trial by 100 line and instructor pilots and Air Line Pilots Association representatives, who evaluated the feasibility of using iPads as electronic flight bags this past winter and spring."We've been exploring the idea of an electronic flight bag for several years, but never found a device we really liked," explains Alaska Airlines' vice president of flight operations, Gary Beck, in the press release. He adds: "When the iPad hit the market, we took one look at it and said this is the perfect fit." That all sounds good to me, but here's the important question: What kind of iPad app has Alaska Airline settled with? The answer is GoodReader, an essential PDF-reading application for the iPad (it's also available for the iPhone and iPod touch, too). Back in March, Exclusive Jet Management became the first charter company to add an iPad to the cockpit. Now, Alaska Airlines has taken this initiative into the domestic realm. We'll let you know if any other airlines join the gang. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts in the comments. [via Engadget]