FAA Provides Additional Guidance for the Use of Electronic Charts and Documents

AC 91-78 gives specific information to Part 91 operators

Jeppesen worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to produce AC 91-78, USE OF CLASS 1 or CLASS 2 ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG (EFB). This new AC was developed specifically to provide guidance to general and business aviation pilots who operate under (14 CFR) Part 91.

In summary AC 91-78 states that Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) and Electronic Charts Displays (ECDs) can legally be used during all phases of flight in lieu of paper documentation, and as long as the guidelines in the AC are followed, no specific authorization is required for Part 91 flyers. The use of electronic charts in lieu of paper reference material is at the discretion of the aircraft operator and pilot in command. The AC also suggests that pilots have available some kind of backup aeronautical information, either in paper or electronic format.

"Jeppesen's electronic services offer many benefits, and advanced integrated avionics systems with multi-function displays, as well as new technology in portable PCs are accelerating adoption rates," said Todd Krawczyk, Jeppesen director Paper Navigation Services Business and General Aviation. "But we have heard from our customers and OEM partners that there are questions about the legality of using electronic services in lieu if paper in general aviation cockpits. That is why we worked in partnership with FAA to produce this new AC that will now give Part 91 pilots clear recommendations and specific guidelines for the use of electronic charts."