EFB - What exactly is it?

[Brown Cow]

Looks like UPS will be introducing "electronic flight bags" into their fleet, starting off with the 757/767. Question? What exactly is an EFB, how does it work, is it displayed on a laptop or the screens, does it include approach plates, too?

 

[dash_trash]

We use the EFB at Flight Options, and personally, it beats carrying around a heavy flight bag (previous life). Ours have dimensions of about 6"x10" and utilize windows as the operating system. We use JeppView, so we have ALL approaches to every area we operate, worldwide. We don't have enroute charts on the computer, so we do have to carry some paper.

Also strored on the EFB is our GOM, SOP's, performance data, and various other programs. Unfortunately, the games have been removed!

Updates are a cinch. Load a disk, and the world has been revised, and updated. Much easier than the paper.

Only down side I've found, is it's a bit hard to see at times in direct sunlight, but I guess you wont have that problem at UPS!!!

my $.02

 

[Flyerjosh]

What type of EFBs do you guys at FLOPS use? (I'm shopping) Any details about hardware/software, pros, cons, or use/interface issues, etc would be appreciated.

 

[L'il J.Seinfeld]

FYI for those curious.

UPS corporate news release
LOUISVILLE, March 8, 2006 - UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced it would retrofit much of its jet fleet with a computerized display system that will improve safety in the air and on the ground while reducing fuel use and making the pilot’s job easier.
The retrofit program is believed to be the first of its type attempted by any airline, cargo or passenger, “and basically reflects our belief that this technology is ready and should be applied to jets now in service,” said Bob Lekites, vice president, UPS Airline and International Operations.
“This system will support software programs that make available in the cockpit information that today exists only on paper or in the hands of air traffic controllers,” Lekites added. “Ultimately, it will help pilots with navigation and allow them to space their aircraft on their own; call up the most complete and accurate long-range weather maps; warn of potential collisions on the ground; push the maintenance logbook into the digital age, and place the entire flight manual within easy electronic recall.”
The retrofit program, which will begin with 107 B-757 and B-767 aircraft in the UPS fleet, will equip each plane with a Class III Display Device, commonly referred to as a Class III Electronic Flight Bag, manufactured by the Boeing Co. Such advanced electronic systems today are found only on selected business jets and a small number of new passenger airliners. Eight new 747-400 aircraft recently ordered by UPS will be built from scratch with the system.
The Class III Display Device is essentially an information system with two independent computer hard drives coupled to a specially constructed video display. Its Class III rating means it meets the most stringent certification requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration.
In the case of the UPS Airlines, the Class III Display Device actually becomes even more capable than those systems going into the newest jets because UPS already has installed a safety system known as ADS-B - or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast - in all of its 757 and 767 aircraft. ADS-B operates with the Global Positioning Satellite system to automatically track all similarly equipped aircraft in the air or on the ground. It is the most accurate and reliable aviation tracking system in the world.
While UPS is planning to quickly add a variety of software applications once the devices are installed, it will begin with a program known as SafeRoute developed by Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) of Phoenix, Ariz., an avionics supplier selected by UPS last summer to participate in the retrofit program. SafeRoute uses ADS-B to provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness during taxi and in flight.
For example, SafeRoute’s “Merging & Spacing” application enables pilots to select more efficient flight paths, reduces holding patterns and allows for more direct flights into key airports, all of which will help reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and ambient noise pollution along with airport congestion. During taxi, SafeRoute’s “Surface Area Movement Management” function will provide pilots with display and voice alerts of potential dangers that could result in a runway incursion accident.
In addition to SafeRoute, UPS is continuing to evaluate whether the Class III Display Device can be used for applications such as:

• A digital maintenance logbook. Instead of pilots handing paper logbooks noting an equipment discrepancy to mechanics once they land, the device will support an electronic logbook that can transmit the information to maintenance while the plane is en route, reducing the possibility that repairs will cause schedule delays while storing more accurate records.
• Using software developed by Boeing and its subsidiary, Jeppesen, as well as hardware from Astronautics Corp. of America (ACA), the device will digitally store vital charts, manuals and documents, giving pilots instant access to the information they need.
• With 80 gigabytes of memory, the device also will be used for such things as enhanced electronic checklists; real-time weather information; and real-time Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) information. The so-called graphical satellite weather application will significantly improve the amount of meteorological data available to pilots.

“We are excited to see UPS demonstrating the flexibility of our Class III Display Device by using proven technology for innovative and ground-breaking applications,” said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. “UPS is a model customer for the device and its reputation as a leader in both technology and financial rigor represents a strong stamp of approval.”
“ACSS is thrilled to be part of a team tasked with moving the industry forward,” added ACSS President Kris Ganase. “We’re excited to work with Boeing to display SafeRoute information for UPS pilots and bring a higher level of safety while increasing the overall efficiency of their flight operations.”
“We’ve always been committed to operating the safest and most effective airline for the benefit of both our pilots and customers,” concluded Lekites.
Editor's note:Attached below is the Boeing news release on the EFBs.
SEATTLE, March 08, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and UPS today said that the world's largest package delivery company will retrofit 107 of its Boeing 757s and 767s with Boeing's Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).
In addition, EFB will be installed on eight new 747-400 freighters ordered last year by UPS and slated for delivery beginning in 2007. The installation of Boeing's EFB will put UPS at the forefront of global freight-delivery companies in its use of cutting-edge technology.
EFB is a core technology of Boeing's vision of an e-Enabled air transport system, where data, information and knowledge can be shared instantly across an air-transport enterprise. Using software developed by Boeing and its subsidiary, Jeppesen, as well as hardware from Astronautics Corp. of America (ACA), Boeing's Class 3 EFB digitally delivers vital charts, manuals and documents, giving pilots instant access to the information they need. Boeing's EFB can also offer improved communication between an airplane flight deck crew and airline maintenance teams, which supports timely repairs of planes and helps reduce unscheduled repairs.
Rising airplane fuel costs helped motivate UPS to become the launch customer for the Boeing Class 3 EFB in the United States, as well as the launch customer for the Boeing Class 3 EFB on 757s and 767s. UPS has been exploring EFB as a tool to help materially streamline its operations into and out of key airports. In a simple but elegant use of the Electronic Flight Bag, UPS will map more efficient flight paths for its fleet, reducing the need for holding patterns and cutting flight times.
"In today's world of rising fuel prices, it's more critical than ever to operate efficiently," said UPS Airline and International Operations Vice President Bob Lekites. "Implementing this system is just one of the many ways UPS uses technology to conserve fuel, which benefits both customers and the environment."
"We are excited to see UPS demonstrating the flexibility of our Electronic Flight Bag by using proven technology for innovative and ground-breaking applications," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "UPS is a model customer for the Electronic Flight Bag, and its reputation as a leader in both technology and financial rigor represents a strong stamp of approval."
Installation of a multi-functional EFB is only part of what the Boeing team provides the airline. Jeppesen is focused on ensuring that the receiving airline has the infrastructure, training, systems and ability to develop additional content to take full advantage of the EFB capabilities and reap the benefits of a paperless cockpit. These are among the items critical to a successful EFB implementation, and together represent a competitive advantage for Boeing in discussing the Class 3 EFB with potential customers.
UPS is working with ACSS of Phoenix, Ariz., to develop SafeRoute(tm), a set of ADS-B-based software applications. UPS will use the Boeing EFB to display the SafeRoute information, which will help UPS reduce airplane emissions and noise pollution, improve fuel efficiency, expand airport capacity, and improve airport safety on the ground.
"We have come together as a team to move the industry forward," said ACSS President Kris Ganase. "We're excited to work with Boeing to display SafeRoute information for UPS pilots and help provide fuel savings, reduced emissions, noise abatement and improved flight safety."
UPS intends to use the EFB to display one application of SafeRoute that provides flight crews with an airport surface map, tracking the movements of their aircraft and other ground and airborne traffic in the terminal area while alerting crews to potential conflicts. This application delivers enhanced situational awareness and reduces the possibility of runway incursions. With 80 Gigabytes of available memory, the Boeing Class 3 EFB provides plenty of room for new applications as well, such as enhanced fault reporting; enhanced electronic checklists; real-time weather information; and real-time Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) information. In addition, the open-architecture design of the Class 3 EFB and its integration into the airplane's larger systems give it unmatched potential for Boeing, airlines and even third-party software designers to create even more exciting applications.

 

[L'il J.Seinfeld]

deleted

 

[Purpledog]

FredEx is putting them on all the planes as well. We are using the LIDO system. No more kit, hoorray!

 

[Jetjockey]

FredEx is putting them on all the planes as well. We are using the LIDO system. No more kit, hoorray!

Now where will everyone put thier squadron stickers???

 

[G4G5]

We have been using them for years. They are great, for not having to carry paperwork BUT.

They are difficult to use in the international arena. An airport like Frankfurt or Paris is almost impossible to navigate through the data to get to the right pages quickly. Another thing is the screen size. That is a key question that you want to ask. The smaller screen EFB's require you to print charts just so you can read the fine print.
The last thing you want to ask is, does it tie into your GPS position. If it does, it's fantastic. You can actually see your aircraft moving on the ILS or the 10-9 airport chart. I have not looked at a map in quite sometime. Our GPS position is translated onto the high and low charts and you can watch the aircraft fly the chart. If not it's just another chart.