EFB

An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is an electronic information management device intended to replace paper flight bags in aviation. It combines hardware such as tablets, rugged laptops, or integrated cockpit displays with software that provides digital navigation charts, manuals, performance calculations, weather information, and weight-and-balance data. EFBs can be portable for use in the cabin or installed as part of the aircraft’s avionics. The software ecosystem typically includes chart viewing, procedure and flight planning tools, a document library, and weather sources, with operators selecting applications and data providers to meet regulatory and operational needs.

Regulatory and certification considerations vary by jurisdiction. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued guidance and oversight for EFB use, addressing data integrity, cybersecurity, power management, and communications. Some functions may be performed with minimal certification, while others require formal designation or aircraft-approved software. In Europe, authorities such as EASA provide parallel guidance, emphasizing approved data sources and documentation workflows. Airlines and operators establish internal policies outlining approved EFB configurations, data provisioning, and SOPs to ensure compliance with relevant aviation regulations.

Benefits commonly cited for EFB adoption include weight and paper reductions, faster access to up-to-date charts and manuals, improved search and document management, and enhanced tools for performance calculations and weather planning. Potential risks involve device reliability and battery management, readability under cockpit lighting, software compatibility, and cybersecurity or data integrity concerns. Proper training, procedures, and regular software updates are essential to mitigate these risks and maintain safe operations.