Amapola to Use iPad as EFB

By Tish Drake | January 26, 2011
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Swedish cargo carrier Amapola received approval from Swedish aviation regulators to use an Apple iPad as a Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) on its fleet of Fokker 50s turboprops. .

Fokker Services, in collaboration with Navtech, introduced a hardware and mounting system for EFB technology for the iPad, including Navtech’s charts library.

“This product is a sterling example Fokker Services’ goal to create innovative, affordable modifications for the retrofit market,” said Tom Milder, Fokker Services Director Modifications. “It’s a perfect match for operators who want to take advantage of EFB capabilities while achieving cost savings in relation to training, devices, installation and the revision environment.”

Fokker said the test program is a 100-day program, which began in December. The 100-day test period applies to all clients, the company said.

"We are overwhelmed by the interest in the market for this new iPad application on all types of aircraft," a Fokker spokesman told Avionics.

The new iPad system has been tested by Amapola pilots, generating exceptionally positive feedback. Pilots have noted such advantages as reduced workload, significantly reduced turnaround times and flight preparation time, and possibilities for incorporating last minute runway changes. Further, the need for most flight paper manuals is eliminated through the inclusion of Navtech’s 31,000 page charts library, which was introduced in an iPad application, Navtech iCharts, in November.

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