In following this initial FAA statement, The Apple iPad and Other Suitable Tablet Computing Devices as Electronic Flight Bags (EFB), May 13, 2011 – ZDNet reported, FAA approves iPads in the cockpit; American Airlines to start December 16, 2011.
As reported by Jason D. O’Grady: “On Friday, American Airlines is the first airline in the world to be fully FAA approved to use iPads during all phases of flight. Pilots will use iPads as electronic chart and digital flight manual readers. The airline will begin iPad operations on B-777 aircraft, and then implement across all other fleets. By using electronic charts and manuals, the safety and efficiency on the flight deck is significantly enhanced. Both the iPad I and the iPad II have been approved for use. Other airlines such as United, Alaska, and UPS are also reviewing this potential, but none have been approved to conduct flight operations in all phases of flight except American. This FAA approval cumulates the results from a 6 month test period whereby American flew thousands of hours with iPads to test and evaluate the product.”
