International Flt. Planning

[lawndart]

It took several months to get comfortable with the EFB's, although I still don't trust them completely.... they are, after all, powered by Windows....But I think that the key is to have backups for your backups.
Depending on the equipment that you're using, seeing the display in bright daylight can be a real challenge. We have the Fujitsu LT tablet PC's (which I recently learned are out of production now).
Our airplane laptop has Jeppview Flightdeck, Ultranav and the maintenance manual for the airplane on it. It is not used for anything but support of the airplane.

 

[empenage]

I'm glad to hear it took several months to get used to the EFB's. There is hope for me yet!

We have the UltraNav right on the EFB's and can take them to the hotel room and log onto the internet as well. Nobody has tried this yet because we are afraid to lose them or drop them.

Hey thanks for the posts, I really appreciate them.

 

[ukipilot]

We have 2 EFB's on board our BBJ and Have used them for the past 2 years without a problem, if one did not work we have the other one, we never print any charts, it is just a waste of paper and wood, that is why we have 2 in the cockpit, plus if we had to , we could get the same info on our laptop, there is plenty of backups without having to print paper ones. That is the whole idea of using the EFB, to get rid of the paper, not add more, if you have 2 and a laptop, why print.

As a side note, I love technology, it took no time at all to switch to them, I was glad not to have to do paper revisions any more or Q service plus all of them stupid binders

 

[banned username 2]

This isnt a poll so get those fingers off the keyboard.

Our department uses Universal Weather & Aviation, to the tune of over 20,000$ a month. The service is OK but I was wondering if anyone has used Air Routing International, etc. ?

Has anyone had problems with Universal lately?

About 2 years ago my company switched from Universal to Air Routing. Air Routing has been doing an excellent job for us, and I hear the fees are lower. It seemed to me that Universal used to drop the ball occasionally, Air Routing has been excellent so far...

We have no plans to return to Universal (that I am aware of)...

 

[empenage]

I think what we will do is give Air Routing a try and see the difference.

Probably on our next Pacific trip.

 

[PMVULB AvMgr]

Suggest you use both UVair as well as AR. That's what I've done for years, This keeps both on their toes, as each is trying to outdo the other in hopes of getting all your business. UVair is best in Europe, South and Central America, while Air Routing is best in the Far East and India. As far as handlers go, if you have a favorite, insist on using that one, regardless of who is setting it up. Remember, YOU dictate to the handling agencies who YOU want to use, not the other way around.

I would also strongly suggest that you insist on having one individual assigned to your account from each company. Don't go with the team concept, that's BS. When you work with one individual, that person gets to know what you want without having to do the 10 minute briefing every time you speak with another member of the team! Again, if you insist on this, you will get it.

Always request a complete breakdown of "Communications" charges, no matter who sends them to you. Great moneymaker for all of the Flight Handling companies, without providing backup receipts. I cut every one of these at least into half before I pay them.

Finally, why not attend the NBAA International Operators Conference, next week in Anaheim. Check out NBAA's website for info.

Good luck.