Cockpit iPad

There are many applications available which include everything that would be on the paper charts plus aviation tools including navigation charts, taxi procedures, weather maps, GPS, Minimum Equipment List, Company Policy Manual, Federal Aviation Regulations and flight controls.

Early in 2011 the FAA authorized charter company Executive Jet Management to use iPad records without the backup paper charts.

The iPad as an electronic flight bag brings several safety advantages into the cockpit.

Secondly, carrying the 40+ pound kitbag that holds all of the navigation charts is a cause of personal injuries of the pilots themselves.

Pilots need not spread out the large charts in the small cockpit, hence they don't obstruct the view.

This give pilots more time to look out the cockpit window and allows them to be able to just take a glance instead of searching around on a map.

A number of potential issues have been brought up including distractions in the cockpit, but the iPads are prohibited from being used for non-flight purposes and pilots are still using onboard GPS instruments.