What is an EFB?
An EFB is any device, or combination of devices, actively displaying EFB applications. EFBs are characterized by the following:
- An EFB hosts applications, which are generally replacing conventional paper products and tools traditionally carried in the pilot's flight bag.
- EFB applications include natural extensions of traditional flight bag contents, such as replacing paper copies of weather with access to near-real-time weather information.
- To qualify as an EFB application, the failure effect must be considered a minor hazard or have no safety effect.
- Acceptable EFB applications are listed in Appendices A and B. These EFB applications may be overlaid or integrated.
- EFBs cannot replace any installed equipment required by operational or airworthiness regulations.
- EFB applications have no certification requirements for installation under aircraft type design (refer to AC 20-173).
Electronic Recordkeeping Systems
There are 2 categories of FAA required pilot records:
Permanent Records
- Airman Certificates
- Medical records
- Initial training records and qualification
Current Qualification Records
Operators must maintain pilot qualification and currency records, including:- Check airman training and checking
- §§ 135.293, 135.297, and 135.299 checks
- 90-day takeoff-and-landing currency
Part 135 operators must:
- Upload required pilot training, checking, and employment records to PRD
- Retain records per PRD retention requirements
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all PRD-applicable events
Additional guidance is available in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 3. .
Electronic Manual System
To get your electronic manual system FAA approved, you have to comply with Advisory Circular 120-76D. Setup includes:
Setup Process
- Create a list of manuals that will be electronic (typically in PDF format)
- Develop a Master Contents and Program Catalog (example)
- Describe how manuals will be updated, distributed, and who will be responsible
Distribution Workflow
- Organize manuals into directories (folders) like Company Manuals, Operations Specifications, etc.
- Upload manuals and assign to users
- Users receive email notifications with download links
- Automatic notifications when manuals are updated