EFB's, handlers... and job leads

[flying_gringo]

Folks -

Our company is looking at switching from our paper based jepps to an electronic solution - and I've been tasked with addressing the issue...

I know several of you kind folks use EFB's and I'm looking for some good recommendations. Who do you use for hardware, how was the approval process, are you happy with the switch and would you do it again?

I posted this same question a few months ago and then we got overwhelmed with business and have been unable to do more legwork on it. I just wanted to see where the industry is going with this... are there any new units worth looking at that haven't been addressed in the previous thread? and if you've got a vendor you'd like to recommend I'd love to hear it.

Thanks for your help...

fg

p.s. - I'd also like an update on who the best intl handlers are - we've been using Universal - and things have been ok... but have you recently switched and found someone better? who and how can I get ahold of them... just another update from the previous thread already on this issue.

Job leads – I’ve heard through the rumor mill – so take it for what its worth - that PetSmart is looking for 604 crews right now for a planned acquisition – and another quasi unsubstantiated rumor is that the new Scottsdale Air Center has selected but not yet named their air charter vendor as the company is still getting pilots on board… However the air center is supposedly receiving resumes for the posting – I just can’t find where the ad is or who the 135 will be… one last one – supposedly phelps dodge (the mining company) has lost some folks and may be hiring Gulfstream crews… I know they were looking at a newer GIV to replace a GIII…anyway -I’m not sure how accurate this stuff is – but it may be worth a resume or two… best of luck

 

[80/20]

There is a lot of good information available about EFB's and digital manuals on the web

Have you seen FAA's advisory Circular about EFBs?
http://www1.faa.gov/avr/afs/afs410/ac120-76.doc

Air Transport Association (ATA) has two working groups that deal with these issues:
Digital Display Working Group (DDWG)
Flight Operations Working Group (FOWG) http://www.airlines.org/public/committees/p_ticcweb/bin/7.htm
These are both good starting point for anyone who has been given the task to implement paperless systems. Contact them and go to some of the meetings; you will meet the document developers from many airlines, vendors and aircraft manufacturers. This is a great way to see how it should be done without "inventing the wheel over again".

The challenge with the maps are, as you indicated, the hardware.
Other issues that many operators are working hard with are: SOPs, MELs, OPS manuals and performance calculations.

Have you talked to your aircraft manufacturer(s)?
Many manufacturers are offering their manuals in electronic formats such as: XML, PDF and FrameMaker.

A good selection of info is collected from the NASA/FAA Operating Documents Workshop at: http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/opdoc-workshopV/

In my experience the challenge is often not the technology, it is the knowledge of your staff. You can either have a basic, step by step implementation plan combined with in-house skills or a lot of money to buy third party solutions and even more money to get it working.

Some operators have gone for an affordable, basic, page based solution (often pdf) and have been able to get started quickly, while others have used years struggling with SGML and XML solutions.
I recommend KISS - keep it short and simple, at least in the beginning.

 

[Fokkerflyer]

p.s. - I'd also like an update on who the best intl handlers are - we've been using Universal - and things have been ok... but have you recently switched and found someone better? who and how can I get ahold of them... just another update from the previous thread already on this issue.

We have been using Air Routing for all our international trips. Great people, great handlers, excellent service.
800-987-5680

FF

 

[2000flyer]

We use Jepessen and have also had great service from them.

A good place to look for handler info is in NBAA IOB's. Read through the trip reports and see what pilot's are saying about their handlers.

2000Flyer

 

[flying_gringo]

thanks for the advice - I'm looking more at that Fujutsu unit - I think it seems to be the best one currently when evaluated from a bang for the buck point of view. Of course the day after I buy it they'll be half the size, twice the power and given away like AOL CD's.

In terms of the handlers - I'll try air routing... I've heard good things about them... Don't get me wrong - I'm not angry with universal - I just want to find out if we're missing something with other handlers.

thanks to all for the feedback... .I'd love to hear more if you've got any further info...


fg