There are two possibilities for the hardware of EFB systems: portable and installed.
Portable
A portable EFB is a portable EFB host platform, used on the flight deck, which is not part of the certified aircraft configuration. It hosts type A and/or type B as well as miscellaneous (non- EFB) software applications. If mounted, the portable EFB must be easily removable from its mounting device without the use of tools, by the flight crew. A Transmitting Portable Electronic Device (T-PED) will have conditions for use of its transmitting capability established in the approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), although in the absence of information in the AFM the EFB transmitting capability may be allowed during non-critical phases of flight. Any EFB component that is either:
- not accessible in the flight crew compartment by the flight crew members, or
- not removable by the flight crew
should be installed as 'certified equipment' covered by a Type Certificate (TC), changed TC or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
Portable EFBs may only be used in all phases of flight if secured to a certified mount or securely attached to a viewable stowage device. A mounting device is an aircraft certified part which secures a portable or installed EFB, or EFB system components. A viewable stowage device is secured either on the flight crew (for example, a kneeboard) or in/to an existing aircraft part (for example, utilising suction cups), with the intention to hold charts or to hold acceptable light mass portable devices.
Installed
An EFB host platform installed in the aircraft and considered as an aircraft part, covered by the aircraft airworthiness approval. Normal aircraft certification processes are expected to cover installed devices. No additional equipment approval by the CAA is expected to be required, although an Operational Approval will be required.
Approval of EFBs
Prior to the approval for additional electronic devices to form part of an AOC operation, it will be necessary to demonstrate that, when fitted to an aircraft, no additional hazards will result.
Operators wishing to use an EFB should refer to the application process here
Portable and Installed EFBs
Approval should be sought from the assigned Flight Operations Inspector.
Mounting Device
Approval should be sought in accordance with existing Modification approval processes.
It should be noted that any approval issued does not verify acceptance by the CAA of the EFB hardware, operating systems or database information. Approval confirms only that the system is capable of performing its intended functions to an acceptable standard.
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