iPads are approved class 1, cockpit mountable devices

[231flyer]

Soon after Apple's iPad was released in 2010, aeronautical chart manufacturers and operators quickly recognised the advantages of using lightweight, portable tablets to replace paper manuals in the cockpit. However, it was not until June 2012 that the US Federal Aviation Administration gave airlines the green light to start using tablets during all critical phases of flight as "class 1" devices, rather than having to stow them during take-off and landing.

The new rules allow tablets to be mounted in the cockpit, accessible to the pilot throughout all phases of flight without the need for a special supplemental type certificate (STC) for the mount or the device itself.

 

 

United and Continental pilots were issued with iPads in 2011

 

Airlines are looking ahead at future functionality of tablet-based electronic flightbags (EFB) such as the iPad, and several plan to use the devices not only to store aeronautical charts and manuals but to provide additional features such as maintenance logs and extra situational awareness on the ground. Aerospace-built class 2 and class 3 EFBs have traditionally provided this type of information, but these functions are now being integrated into class 1 portable consumer devices as well.

[231flyer]

Quoting an article from FlightGlobal today.  I guess its legal to bolt on our ipads to the panel, yoke, floor, etc.  I am not sure if they only qualify for the EFB functionality or if the moving map/Traffic/Weather/Standby etc is also legal and for IFR flights.

[midlifeflyer]

Quoting an article from FlightGlobal today.  I guess its legal to bolt on our ipads to the panel, yoke, floor, etc.  I am not sure if they only qualify for the EFB functionality or if the moving map/Traffic/Weather/Standby etc is also legal and for IFR flights.

Depends what you mean by legal "for IFR flights."

 

As a paper chart replacement, definitely.

 

As a replacement for a panel installed, IFR certified primary navigation box, definitely not.

[flyboy0681]

 However, it was not until June 2012 that the US Federal Aviation Administration gave airlines the green light to start using tablets during all critical phases of flight as "class 1" devices, rather than having to stow them during take-off and landing.

 

 

Yet passengers MUST turn them off for takeoff and landing. A classic case of what's good for the goose is not good for the gander.

[midlifeflyer]

Yet passengers MUST turn them off for takeoff and landing. A classic case of what's good for the goose is not good for the gander.

I think it may be more like what's good for 1-2 geese who have had their units tested for interference when using specific apps isn't necessarily good for 300 geese with a variety of tablets, smartphones, laptops and accessories in the cabin. 

 

btw, a friend of mine did end up having interference with avionics from his iPad running the Jepp app.  In a Mooney, no less.