Earlier this month, FAA issued Advisory Circular (AC) 120-76B, Guidelines for the Certification, Airworthiness, and Operational Use of Portable Electronic Flight Bags (EFB). The revised AC cancels AC 120-76A, dated March 17, 2003.
Under the revised AC, 1 and 2 EFBs are considered portable electronic devices (PED) unless they host EFB applications and other specified criteria. If the 1 or 2 device is considered a PED, its use is generally restricted to cruise flight. However, when a device is ified as an EFB PED, operators may use the device in all phases of flight, subject to guidance on items such as non-interference testing.
14 CFR Part 91F operators may use EFBs in lieu of paper reference material if the intended functions of the device meet specific criteria. During the paperless transition, it is the operator’s responsibility to develop an evaluation and transition plan. The AC clarifies that unlike certificated operators who must obtain Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) Paragraph A061, Part 91F operations do not require a specific authorization for EFB operations, provided the EFB does not replace any system or equipment required by the applicable regulations.
However, Part 91F operators using any Type A or B EFB in lieu of paper reference material, must make a secondary or backup source of aeronautical information available to the pilot. The aircraft operator and/or pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for demonstrating compliance with EFB authorization requirements, which should be in written form onboard the aircraft. The aircraft operator and/or PIC is also responsible for making an assessment of the human/machine interface and aspects governing Crew Resource Management (CRM). This requires training in EFB procedures and use, preflight checks of the system, the use of each operational function on the EFB, and procedures for cross-checking data entry and computed information.
If you have any questions regarding the guidance published in the revised AC, please contact our office.