Most importantly, everybody agrees it is sorely needed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, improve safety and the working environment for cockpit crews. Nevertheless, much confusion surrounds which EFB hardware and software classes to choose, which software to install and how best to implement the EFB into the operational core processes of an aircraft operator.

EFB Mistakes - those most commonly made

The biggest mistake often seen is that the EFB decision making process is driven either by hardware or Classtype considerations instead of by Functionality. Typically, pilots are focused on just getting an e-Route Manual EFB solution (electronic SID/STAR charts) implemented without cross referencing to other needs. It is highly recommendable that the first step in the EFB selection process should be for the operator to determine which of its current company functionalities/business processes need to be converted from paper to digital format and in which steps. No less important is to understand WHY? this is needed. It is not enough to assume that paper is bad or simply focus on a single application need. One must have a clear vision and purpose for the subsequent steps. Only after understanding the actual EFB needs should all other considerations follow.

Although many different functionalities could be selected for digital conversion (Document Library, Reporting, Performance, etc.) it is not necessary to implement them all at once. In fact the second mistake seen most often is the desire to implement all EFB processes in one go. Many factors need to be considered when when deciding on the right approach.

• Crew training it is much easier to train crews to initially use one or two Applications so that they get familiar with procedures, the hardware, etc. before moving on to additional tasks.

• Certification it is easier and faster to initially obtain certification from the CAA for Class I EFB use and then move on to Class II (if this is desired) than to go for Class II from scratch.

• Back Office training It is not only the flight crews who benefit from conversion to an EFB. The data generated helps the BO data mine, compile reports, etc. The suggestion is to take a gradual approach and have the EFB system evolve with the operator’s capacity to absorb the new functionalities.

It is only after gaining a clear understanding of what functionalities are required from the EFB and having a clear vision of how and when these will be introduced to replace the existing paper-driven ones, should hardware be evaluated. Considerations of Operating Systems, Installation and Hardware costs, as well as delivery time and ease of use are important, but must never be the determining factor. Because a great piece of hardware that does not perform the intended task effectively is nothing more than a boondoggle.

New Terminology needed within the EFB Industry - the importance of defining industry terms

One certainly cannot blame the operators for stumbling in their decision making process and committing the above mistakes. Unfortunately, there exists an inherent disconnect between the current EFB terminology used in the market place and the actual definitions. For example – the term EFB is used interchangeably for a simple Document Library Application on an iPad (that might not even be EASA TGL36/FAA AC120-76A7B compliant because it allows the pilot to unilaterally erase documents) and a fully integrated cross referenced software Platform, which is controlled by the operator’s Back Office and is fully certified by the CAA. Clearly a distinction needs to be made. Both the EFB software providers as well as the EFB clients need a more precise function-driven definition of terms to avoid confusion. Consequently, the requirement calls for the use of three terms in regards to EFB software: Application, Platform and System.

An EFB Application performs a specific function, like the above mentioned Document Library, or Weight and Balance calculation or a Report. It can be disparate (stand alone) or integrated with other Applications. Whereas an EFB Platform is capable of integrating a multitude of Applications, cross checking data integrity and verifying the input and generated parameters of all of them. It is also directly linked to the Back Office to provide it with data and has Mobile Device Management functionality. Clearly there is a difference between a single Application and

an integrated Platform. An EFB System combines an EFB Platform with various EFB Applications and the necessary hardware. This is why it is important to distinguish these terms when discussing the EFB subject. Alternatively, potential users will continue to experience confusion and make the same mistakes.

An EFB Platform - a solid foundation for moving forward

The way forward is to select the right foundation for one’s EFB future. If the only functionality required is a simple document reader and nothing else, then it might not be important to consider how the selected Application integrates with other functionalities. However, one must keep in mind that what appears to be a short-term savings could be very costly in the long-run. If the operator ever decide to move forward with additional functionalities (because the market and/or internal processes demand this), all of the past investment in training, procedures, approvals, and even hardware will be for naught. If one has to start from scratch with a new EFB platform you will face a real “Missed Approach” with a built-in “Dead End.”

It is critical for the current and future benefit optimization to select the right EFB Platform, one that will be able to satisfy both the immediate and the subsequent needs. As the operator’s requirements grow and new Applications are added, the Platform must accept them and integrate the data across all other Applications and connect it to the Back Office. No less importantly the EFB Platform must be able to integrate with 3rd Party Applications now and in the future, so as to give the operator the freedom to choose the best services available on the market.

EFB Possibilities - data has no limits

The list of EFB benefits is long and each operator will find its own uses for its EFB. These will vary as all operators are different. However, the Key to success remains constant - choosing the right EFB software Platform to secure the future EFB steps. With the right EFB Platform chosen some of the real EFB values obtainable are the following:

• Creating data mining algorithms for KPI evaluation of operations, efficiency and safety. Specifying new parameters to improve management’s ability to optimize business processes.

• Using data from fuel reports to satisfy CO2 quota requirements and reduce costs for contracted fueling. One airline uses the data to verify the veracity of invoices received from suppliers.

• Annual audits are made easier by forwarding digital files to the CAA confirming the status of electronic manuals (which are automatically updated by the Back Office).

• Use of the EFB platform to introduce Electronic Flight Folder data across Applications, thus eliminating multiple entry requirements and increasing safety.

• Introduction of Crew Rostering and Scheduling to the EFB platform. Thus taking advantage of the existing investment in hardware, procedures and approvals to gain additional benefit.

• Using EFB derived data to fill Maintenance Logs.

Consequently, the true value of a suitable EFB Platform solution lies not just in making the cockpit paperless, but rather in that the data generated on the electronic EFB software platforms will in fact be utilized in the operator’s back-end systems based on data mining efficiencies, which can provide better calculation and documentation basis for all future aircraft operations.

International Flight Support

	Phrases like 'The Possibilities are Endless' are often heard in the EFB marketplace and should be taken with a grain of salt, says International Flight Support CEO, Ilya Katsnelson. However, when applied to the EFB Platform we are reminded of the story of electricity. Initially, when electricity was wired into
homes it had only one function - to deliver light. With time, industrious people came up with a multitude of other functionalities that could take advantage of this development. Things like vacuum cleaners, toasters, refrigerators, hair dryers, etc. would never have been invented if there was no electricity coming into the house. IFS believes - and our customers using our

IFS recognizes that a solution based on traditional Class II built-in hardware, running on Windows OS, will not work for everyone. In fact, most business jet operators would prefer to use iPads - thus the company offers a full service EFB Platform for both types of hardware.

Over the past 10 years, the company has been providing EFB solutions to business aviation operators, passenger & cargo airlines and military operators. By working closely with clients, IFS has gained considerable experience in determining the Best Practices approach to selecting an EFB system.

"Our goal is to share this knowledge with those interested in moving forward toward the ultimate goal - 'A Paperless Cockpit' and not least 'A paperless operator company',” concludes Ilya Katsnelson.

www.ifs.aero

Skindergade 43 – 2MF

DK-1159 Copenhagen K - DENMARK

Tel: +45 3346 4600

©BlueSky Business Aviation News | 14th June 2012 | Issue #180

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