Benefits of Electronic Flight Bag for Pilots - Research Paper Example

Electronic Flight Bags Student’s Name Institution Table of Contents List of Figures 2 1.0 Abstract 3 2.0 Introduction 3 2.1 Methodology 4 2.2 Primary research 4 2.3 Secondary research 4 3.0 Literature review and facts 4 3.1 Advantages and disadvantages of electronic flight bag 5 4.0 Analysis 6 4.1 Role of Federal Aviation Administration 8 5.0 Recommendations 9 6.1 Conclusion 9 List of Figures Figure 1: Traditional flight bag and electronic flight bag ……………...........................6 Figure 2: EFB main menu………………………………………………………………6 Table 1: Comparison between paper and EFB…………………………………………7 1.0 Abstract Electronic flight bags (EFB) have gained popularity over the years, becoming a pilot’s favorite compared to the traditional flight bags. This is attributed to the advances witnessed in technology over the years. Through technology flying has become quite easy for pilots which is quite beneficial to the pilots. The use of EFB has numerous advantages for the pilots and probably the main advantage is attributed to the fact that EFB has increased efficiency. As a result of using EFB pilots are capable of making decisions quite fast as compared to using the traditional flight bag. This is attributed to the fact that EFB is a computerized system thus capable of making calculation within quite a small time. Additionally, by using EFB safety of airplanes has been improved significantly. This is attributed to the fact that through the use of EFB take-off and landing errors have been greatly minimized. This ensures that pilots are capable of taking-off and landing airplanes smoothly without hitches. However, in an effort to ensure the success of EFB, the FAA has to ensure that the gadgets are safe. This can be achieved by inspecting and testing the gadgets before installing them on airplanes. Therefore, by doing so the safety of planes is assured and at the same time assuring pilots the use of EFB. However, the use of EFB bears certain limitations which could affect the use of EFB. Therefore, in respect to these statements, this paper examines the benefits and disadvantages of using electronic flight bag (EFB). This is because by looking at the benefits of EFB it becomes quite easy to determine whether the use of EFB is good for pilots or not? 2.0 Introduction The use of electronic flight bag (EFB) has over the years gained so much popularity to the extent that it is quite impossible to come across an airplane not equipped with EFB. The EFB is software based component used by flight attendants in undertaking various operational tasks in the plane. It is mainly intended for cockpit use by the pilots, thus replacing the huge flight bags pilots were required to carry (Ferguson & Nelson 2013). The flight bags contained documents such as plane manuals, which were meant to provide assistance to the pilot in flying the plane. The flight bags contained crucial information regarding the airplanes, which made them quite important for flying. The use of EFB dates back to early 1990 where pilots started using personal computers to assist them in conducting basic take off operations. However, the use of computers became popular with pilots and this prompted a need to come up with a uniform system. This was to ensure accuracy of data since most commercial airplanes are made by the same companies (Hanson 2002). Additionally, EFB was created to minimize occurrence of errors normally associated with human calculations. These errors could at times prove to be quite fatal not only to the plane but also to the individuals onboard the plane. In addition to this the use of EFB was intended to increase efficiency of the planes. This can be attributed to the fact that with the use of EFB calculations such take-off calculation are accurate. This is in return ensures safe flying and reduced costs of production for airplanes (Jensen 2003). However, to ensure that EFB is delivers its intended objective, the use of EFB is highly monitored by the FAA. The FAA is the regulatory body entrusted with ensuring air safety for all American airplanes. Therefore, this begs the question, is the use of electronic flight bags good for pilots? 2.1 Methodology In an effort to better understand the effect of EFB on pilots while flying across the world, it was necessary to first understand what and EFB was. Therefore, this meant boarding planes and taking a look at the cockpit as it is where the EFB is located. However, due to various difficulties it was impossible to get into a plane. However, this was not a deterrence in trying to investigate the effectiveness of EFB. This can be attributed to the fact that by contacting retired pilots it was possible to get all the relevant information concerning the use of EFB in flying airplanes. Additionally, previous studies on the matter provided great insight as to the history and use of EFB in flying airplanes. Therefore, by incorporating both primary sources and secondary sources it was quite possible to come up with a conclusive report on whether the use of EFB is good for pilots. 2.2 Primary research Primary research entailed conducting a face to face interview with a former pilot Greg Zahornacky. He has a vast experience when it comes to flying airplanes which he attributes to the fact that he has flown more than 1500 hours in his lifetime as a pilot. Currently he is an assistant professor. The interview was based on a set of questions prepared which mainly concentrated on the use of EFB by pilots. The answers obtained from the set of questions proved to be quite useful as they provided information necessary at reaching a conclusion whether EFB is good for pilots. 2.3 Secondary research In addition to primary research, the use of secondary research was quite vital in undertaking this report. This is attributed to the fact that secondary research provided information that was not readily available in the primary research. Previous studies touching on EFB formed the bulk of my secondary research. Such studies ensure the credibility of this report, because they support the various conclusion and opinions that are made in this report. Therefore, without the assistance of the previous studies, the credibility of this report would be compromised greatly. Additionally, the report emphasizes on the use of peer reviewed journal articles. This is attributed to the fact that peer reviewed articles are deemed to be quite reliable when compared to other articles. Therefore, the information contained in such articles can be relied on, thus highly increasing the credibility of this report. 3.0 Literature review and facts According to Boy (2012) Flight bags have been one of the most important tools for any given pilot in the course of flying airplanes. This is attributed to the fact that flight bags contain very crucial documents and information such as plane manual guides, operational guides and other relevant information. Therefore, as a result of the importance, every pilot was required to carry their flight bags on every plane they boarded. However, due to the many documents these bags contained, they were quite heavy and would at times weigh nearly fifty kilograms. These along with the fact that decisions relating to the documents was based on human judgment made flying quite complex. This is attributed to the fact that traditional flight bag consisted of huge paperwork that a pilot was required to go through before reaching a decision. Therefore, due to the size of the paper work it highly compromised the judgment of the pilot. Therefore, in an effort to minimize the size of luggage and to increase accuracy, electronic flight bag were introduced on airplanes. In addition to the size of the luggage it is important to note that traditional flight bags consisted of huge paperwork. This is contrary to the electronic flight bag which despite the size of the information it is quite easy to navigate through the documents. Electronic flight bag (EFB) is a computerized system that serves the same objective as the traditional flight bags. However, since EFB is computerized it is more preferable to the traditional flight bags (Wilson 2013). 3.1 Advantages and disadvantages of electronic flight bag As earlier stated EFB have proven to be quite `beneficial when compared to the traditional flight bag. One obvious advantage is the fact that the EFB is not as heavy when compared to traditional flight bags. This is attributed to the fact that EFB weigh an average of two kilograms compared to the average weight of fifty kilograms for traditional flight bags. Additionally, EFB have proven to be quite efficient in terms of operational cost as compared to traditional flight bags. This is attributed to the fact that EFB are accurate in conducting their calculations unlike in using traditional flight bags, whereby calculations are conducted by the pilots who are prone to numerous errors (Wilson 2013). Additionally, as a result of accuracy in conducting calculations, use of EFB has greatly safety of airplanes during take-off and when landing. This is attributed to the fact that due to accurate calculations, instances where planes overrun the runway is greatly reduced thus ensuring safe take-off and landing. In addition to these, the use EFB is of great advantage due to the fact that it is easier to update the information unlike when using traditional flight bags. This is attributed to the fact that with using traditional flight bags it was quite possible for pilots to carry out of date documents. Carrying of out of date documents can greatly compromise the safety of passengers and the airplanes. Therefore, through the use of EFB, pilots are assured that the information they have is up to date. Therefore, this ensures that the safety of the airplane and the passengers is assured and that the pilots can rely on the information to fly the airplanes. Additionally, through the use of EFB pilots are capable of accurately determining the performance of airplanes in the course of flying and assist in ensuring the weight of the plane is balanced. Therefore, by understanding the performance of the airplane it is possible to determine operational cost. Additionally, by understanding the manner in which the weight of the airplane is distributed, it becomes quite easy to improve efficiency of the airplane. However, despite the various benefits associated with the use of EFB, there are certain factors about EFB that are detrimental to its use. One such disadvantage is the fact EFB can be quite complex due to the fact that it uses computer systems to operate. This could prove detrimental to pilots who have been in practice prior to the introduction of electronic flight bags. In addition to these, electronic flight bags are prone to software attacks such as Trojans and malware. Such attacks could prove costly as they may alter the way the EFB operates and this could jeopardize the safety of the passengers (Hanson 2002). In addition to these, EFB are prone to physical damages especially EFB screens. EFB screens are prone to scratches which could compromise their use, which could compromise the safety of the airplanes. This is due to the fact that scratches on the screen could make it quite impossible for pilots to view the information. This in return could compromise the safety of the airplanes and the passengers onboard the plane. Additionally, portable EFB could be detrimental if they are kept in the hands of individuals. This could be attributed to fact that individual pilots may forget the EFB thus compromising the safety of the airplane. 4.0 Analysis Flight bags have always been integral in providing pilots with the necessary information and fact that make it easier to fly airplanes. However, traditional flight bags have become surplus in modern era flying. This can be attributed to the fact that traditional flight bags were heavy. this is demonstrated by figure 1 which shows the difference in size of traditional flight bag and EFB. The shear difference in their size is a clear indication that introduction of EFB was a necessity. This is attributed to the fact that EFB are quite portable when compared to traditional flight bag. Figure 1. Traditional flight bag and electronic flight bag Additionally, EFB make it possible for pilots to move around without the fear of losing documents. Additionally, interpretation of documents in the flight bags was dependent on human reasoning. This at times proved quite detrimental to flying because humans are prone to errors which could compromise the safety of the plane and the passengers onboard (Jensen 2013). Additionally, it was quite difficult for the pilots to go through all the documents and still provide an accurate calculation on operations such as take-off or landing. Therefore in an attempt to remedy this situation airplanes have incorporated EFB into their systems. The EFB is a software platform that is meant to perform the same functions as the traditional flight bags. Therefore, this means that pilots were no longer required to carry heavy bags containing information about the planes they were flying (Wilson 2013). In addition to these, EFB is quite user friendly which means that pilots can easily make use of EFB without much training as illustrated by figure 1. The figure shows the main menu of EFB, which is quite simple meaning that pilots can easily perform tasks using EFB. Figure 2. EFB Main menu (Eitel 2011). The use of electronic flight bags has come a long way, which can be attributed the numerous benefits associated with their use in flying of airplanes. This is demonstrated by Wilson (2013) who acclaims that the use of EFB is quite integral in modern time flying airplanes. He attributes this to the changing trends in technology, which have led to the development of EFB. Through the use of EFB flight errors that were quite rampant have seen a sharp decline. According to Jensen (2003) this can be attributed to the fact that by incorporating the use of EFB in flying pilots are accorded an easy time flying. Therefore, this increases the efficiency of the pilots while flying the planes. In addition to assisting pilots, EFB are quite beneficial to other flight crews in undertaking their duties. This in return ensures that operations with an airplane are conducted smoothly without any hitches. In addition to these, the use of EFB can improve the manner in which pilots arrive at their judgments. This can be attributed to the fact that with the help of EFB pilots are capable of making some of the most crucial decisions (Wilson 2013). This is illustrated in the table below which tries to compare between the use of paper and the use of EFB in undertaking cockpit activities. Skills Paper EFB Heading Score 52% 53% Altitude Score 35% 37% Diversion Calculation Time 375.4 sec 379.3 sec Airport Information Time 158.3 sec 115.0 sec Diversion Calculation Accuracy Score 65% 67% Airport Information Correctness Score 73% 100% Table 1. Comparison between paper and EFB (Malone & Beckman 2012) Using information provide by Table 1, it is quite clear that EFB rates high in undertaking activities of the cockpit. This is attributed to the fact that according to the data used in compiling the data in the Table, most pilots found that stress levels were much lower when using EFB compared to paper. In addition to this, most pilots attributed increase in situational awareness when undertaking operation using EFB, compared to when using paper in conducting cockpit activities. Furthermore, most pilots who participated in the survey stated that they preferred using EFB than papers when conducting activities of the cockpit. Therefore, based on these information it is quite clear that the use of EFB is quite efficient when compared to traditional flight bags. Additionally, based on these information it is quite clear that pilots would find flying quite easy and smooth as compared to using paper to perform the same activities (Malone & Beckman 2012). In addition to these, the use of EFB is quite beneficial when it comes to updating relevant information for pilots. This is compared to traditional flight bags which were quite tiresome when it came to updating the information in the flight bag. This is attributed to the fact that traditional flight bags consisted of too many and large paperwork. Therefore, updating such workloads would be quite tiresome and time consuming as compared to EFB. This can be attributed to the fact that updating information in the EFB is quite fast and does not consume too much time. Therefore, EFB demonstrates that it is quite beneficial as compared to the traditional flight bags (Malone & Beckman 2012). However, despite the numerous benefits associated with EFB, it should be noted that EFB can also be detrimental to the air industry. This is attributed to the fact that the use of EFB could lead to overdependence on its use. Therefore, as a result of over dependence of EFB pilots could end up missing on the opportunity to improve their critical thinking. According to Wiener et al (2010) Critical thinking is quite important in flying airplanes. This he attributes to the fact that pilots come across different situations in the course of their duty. Therefore, with the assistance of critical thinking such pilots are capable of overcoming situations that are not easily avoided merely by relining on EFB. Therefore, the use of EFB could undermine the integrity of pilots which could prove tragic for the safety of passengers onboard airplanes (Federal Aviation Administration 2011). In addition to this, EFB could also become a distraction to the pilots thus compromising the safety of the airplanes they are flying. Such distraction could lead to pilots missing crucial events that could have a great bearing on the manner in which an airplane is flown. Additionally, the mere fact that the EFB is a computerized system means that it is quite prone to software attacks. Software attacks such as Trojans alter the manner in which computerized system undertake their operations. Therefore, due to such attacks it is quite possible for the pilot to be misled by the EFB, thus compromising the safety of passengers and the plane itself. This point further supports the point that EFB could lead to over dependence on the part of pilots which is quite detrimental in the air industry (Wiener et al 2010) 4.1 Role of Federal Aviation Administration Due to the underlying implication brought about by the use of EFB by airlines, many studies have made it clear that FAA should play its role in ensuring the overall safety of airplanes. FAA should ensure that before installation of EFB, the system should be subjected to inspection and testing. Through inspection and testing the gadget, the FAA is will be able to detect any anomalies with the gadgets before being fitted onto airplanes. This in return ensures that information contained is not only accurate but can also be relied upon pilots while undertaking their duties. Additionally, the FAA should ensure that the planes are fitted with systems to eradicate software attacks. In doing so, it ensures that the planes; safety is by no means compromised due to the existence of software attacks (Federal Aviation Administration 2011). According to the FAA installation of EFB should not affect operation of other gadgets that come pre-installed in the cockpit. This is to say that EFB gadgets should not interfere with systems such as navigation, communication or surveillance systems of the airplanes. This is attributed to the fact that these systems play a crucial part in ensuring the safety of any given airplane. Therefore, by ensuring that these systems are not tampered with it becomes quite easy to ensure that the airplanes are safe to fly. Additionally, the FAA stipulates that the information contained in the EFB should correspond to the paper documents. This is to ensure that the information contained in the EFB is accurate. In doing so, safety of the airplane is assured and ensures that airplane operators do not interfere with the airplane’s installations. Additionally, the FAA requires that the information touching of issues such as navigation are up to date. This is to ensure that the information contained in the EFB is relevant to the current situation on ground (Federal Aviation Administration 2011) 5.0 Recommendations EFB are quite integral in modern flying, however, a lot has to be done on the manner at which information is presented on the screen. This is attributed to the fact that screens are quite small and this makes it harder for pilots to view when flying under bright days. Training on EFB should also be integrated in aviation schools, thus ensuring that pilots are conversant with the gadget thus ensuring that pilots utilize the gadgets effectively. Additionally, the FAA should ensure that the gadgets are fitted with defense mechanism that would protect them from attacks such as Trojans and malwares. 6.1 Conclusion In conclusion, electronic flight bags have become quite a necessity in modern day flying, which can be attributed to the fact that they are quite handy in many ways. The use of EFB has made it easier for pilots to fly their planes without much difficulties. This is attributed to the fact that by using EFB pilots are capable of making accurate decisions. This is as a result of the accurate calculations made by the EFB. In addition to this, the use of EFB has also improved the safety of airplanes. This is attributed to the fact that through accurate calculations accidents that were normally experienced during take-off and landing. Therefore, the use of EFB has made the work of pilots quite easy. However, existing issues that could expose EFB to failure such as software attacks should be prioritized. By prioritizing such issues, the use of EFB is greatly improved thus avoiding hitches that could compromise the performance of EFB. 7.0 References Boy, G.A (2012). The Handbook of Human-Machine Interaction: A Human-Centered Design Approach. Famham: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Eitel, J.M (2011). FLIGHT STANDARDIZATION BOARD REPORT. Retrieved from Federal Aviation Administration (2011). Glider Flying Handbook. Colorado: JL Aviation LLC Ferguson, M & Nelson, S (2013). Aviation Safety: A Balanced Industry Approach. Massachusetts: Cengange Learning. Hanson, E (2002). Electronic flight bags: What airlines want, Avionics Magazine, 32-34. Jensen, D (2003). EFBs shifting into high gear, Avionics Magazine, 26-28. Malone, C.E & Beckman, W (2012). A Comparison of Single Pilot Efficiency in a Diversion Situation using EFBs and Traditional Aeronautical Publications. Tennessee: Middle Tennessee State University. Wiener, E.L., Kanki, B.G & Helmreich, R.L (2010). Crew Resource Management (2nd ed.). Massachusetts: Academic Press. Wilson, S.T (2013). Safely Integrating Electronic Flight Bag Systems Into Flight Training. Florida: Florida Institute of Technology. Read More

These errors could at times prove to be quite fatal not only to the plane but also to the individuals onboard the plane. In addition to this the use of EFB was intended to increase efficiency of the planes. This can be attributed to the fact that with the use of EFB calculations such take-off calculation are accurate. This is in return ensures safe flying and reduced costs of production for airplanes (Jensen 2003). However, to ensure that EFB is delivers its intended objective, the use of EFB is highly monitored by the FAA.

The FAA is the regulatory body entrusted with ensuring air safety for all American airplanes. Therefore, this begs the question, is the use of electronic flight bags good for pilots? 2.1 Methodology In an effort to better understand the effect of EFB on pilots while flying across the world, it was necessary to first understand what and EFB was. Therefore, this meant boarding planes and taking a look at the cockpit as it is where the EFB is located. However, due to various difficulties it was impossible to get into a plane.

However, this was not a deterrence in trying to investigate the effectiveness of EFB. This can be attributed to the fact that by contacting retired pilots it was possible to get all the relevant information concerning the use of EFB in flying airplanes. Additionally, previous studies on the matter provided great insight as to the history and use of EFB in flying airplanes. Therefore, by incorporating both primary sources and secondary sources it was quite possible to come up with a conclusive report on whether the use of EFB is good for pilots. 2.2 Primary research Primary research entailed conducting a face to face interview with a former pilot Greg Zahornacky.

He has a vast experience when it comes to flying airplanes which he attributes to the fact that he has flown more than 1500 hours in his lifetime as a pilot. Currently he is an assistant professor. The interview was based on a set of questions prepared which mainly concentrated on the use of EFB by pilots. The answers obtained from the set of questions proved to be quite useful as they provided information necessary at reaching a conclusion whether EFB is good for pilots. 2.3 Secondary research In addition to primary research, the use of secondary research was quite vital in undertaking this report.

This is attributed to the fact that secondary research provided information that was not readily available in the primary research. Previous studies touching on EFB formed the bulk of my secondary research. Such studies ensure the credibility of this report, because they support the various conclusion and opinions that are made in this report. Therefore, without the assistance of the previous studies, the credibility of this report would be compromised greatly. Additionally, the report emphasizes on the use of peer reviewed journal articles.

This is attributed to the fact that peer reviewed articles are deemed to be quite reliable when compared to other articles. Therefore, the information contained in such articles can be relied on, thus highly increasing the credibility of this report. 3.0 Literature review and facts According to Boy (2012) Flight bags have been one of the most important tools for any given pilot in the course of flying airplanes. This is attributed to the fact that flight bags contain very crucial documents and information such as plane manual guides, operational guides and other relevant information.

Therefore, as a result of the importance, every pilot was required to carry their flight bags on every plane they boarded. However, due to the many documents these bags contained, they were quite heavy and would at times weigh nearly fifty kilograms. These along with the fact that decisions relating to the documents was based on human judgment made flying quite complex. This is attributed to the fact that traditional flight bag consisted of huge paperwork that a pilot was required to go through before reaching a decision.

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