United pilots to use iPad for navigation

Apple inc is taking over

Mine has never crashed...yet, but what happens if their iPad2 break down?

You wonder why, so many years after the invention of the 'glass cockpit', they haven't thought of building this sort of functionality into the plane itself.

I believe the new Airbus A380 has an onboard computer with all this information already loaded. Each pilot has his/her own computer and screen built right into the cockpit. But yeah, good idea with the iPad. Less weight, more fuel economy - so let's reduce those fuel surcharges and stop charging for pillows, blankets, food, drinks (non-alcoholic), and do this before they start charging for oxygen!

Ipad 3 is just around the corner

I think its useful that the pilots are getting ipads

@Jonathan and Tom: Hasn't the Garmin G1000 system had approach plates and enroute charts pre-loaded since it came out?

I personally am shocked that the FAA said, "sure go ahead, use the iPad." The FAA generally doesn't allow any bit of mission-critical hardware into the cockpit without forcing it through a lot of expensive testing (and often a "certified" version).

The article can be a little confusing for those who are not used to aircraft operations.

The pilots will not be using the ipad to fly the aircraft or even using them for navigating the actual aircraft.

They are being issued to pilots to replace the bulky flightbags that contain aeronautical charts, manuals etc that pilots typically carry. Essentially it's reducing the load they have to carry and will be used for reference only. Even as a non pilot myself, I used to go into the cockpit with a notebook full of manuals, charts (maps) etc, this certainly reduces what the pilots actually need to carry on with them. Not about what's actually controlling the aircraft.

All aircraft navigation(actual controls of the aircraft) etc will continued to be done by the approved onboard aircraft avionics.

I personally am shocked that the FAA said, "sure go ahead, use the iPad." The FAA generally doesn't allow any bit of mission-critical hardware into the cockpit without forcing it through a lot of expensive testing (and often a "certified" version).

I assume because the part is not actually being used on the airplane (eg it's not part of the aircraft). It's an item that is being used as a reference item where pilots can pull up manuals, charts etc. It's not a critical piece of hardware, it's not even connected or even flying the airplane. The ipad is not replacing any of the airplanes actual navigation equipment etc.

So when on Auto-Pilot, they can play Angry Birds.

But won't they interfere with the onboard instrumentation? (snicker).

Sounds like an excellent weakness in security to exploit to me.

good idea, pilots wont need to carry all that paperwork, much easier to look up chayts/ ops manuals etc, welcome technology,

Sounds like an excellent weakness in security to exploit to me.

How? It's mainly reference charts and maps that are pubically available to any one out there who wants a copy. Want a NYC Area terminal chart? Go to the FAA website and download one for free.