Portable vs installed Electronic Flight Bags (EFB)
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB): electronic display system used mainly in cockpit or cabin; shows aviation data or runs calculations such as performance and fuel figures (AC 700-020 s.2.3(c)).
Portable vs installed decides which rules apply (s.5.1):
| Portable EFB (s.5.1(a)) | Installed EFB (s.5.1(b)) | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft configuration | Not part of it | Integrated into aircraft |
| Airworthiness requirements | Not subject to normal | Subject to normal |
| Status | Counts as portable electronic device (PED) | Approved under aircraft type certificate or supplemental type certificate (STC) |
| Stowed position | Defined position needed | None needed (built in) |
Mounting decides the category (s.3(2)):
- Permanently attached to aircraft structure: needs aircraft certification approval (e.g. STC).
- Suction-cup mount: not permanently attached, no certification approval needed; EFB is portable.
Portable EFB stowage:
- Needs a defined stowed position (Appendix D S1(a)).
- Should stay easily accessible when stowed (Design Considerations - Position S6(a)).
- Usable in all phases of flight if secured in an existing provision viewable to pilot, such as a kneeboard or suction cup (Appendix D(2)).
Trap: no certification needed does not mean unregulated: still a PED, use limited to viewable stowage.
References
- AC 700-020 s.2.3(c)
- AC 700-020 s.3(2)
- AC 700-020 s.5.1
- AC 700-020 Appendix D(2)
- AC 700-020 Appendix D S1(a)
- AC 700-020 Design Considerations - Position S6(a)