This section examines the items on the POI’s checklist used to review EFB applications. Guidance information for the POI checklist and review process is found in Flight Standards Information System (FSIMS) – 8900.1 Change 47, Vol. 4, Chapter 15 – EFB Operational Authorization Process [14].
The following represent the high-level categories addressed in the POI checklist review. This list of topics frames a much larger set of questions that may be asked by the POI to review and evaluate an EFB application to ensure that guidance documents, e.g. AC 120-76C are being followed by the applicant of the application to adhere to EFB standards requirements. In general the checklist questions are specific to initial installations and training for a given aircraft. This list of POI checklist questions is not repeated here due to their length, but can be found in [14]; four checklists are provided in Figures 4-79 to 4-82:
1. Figure 4-79 represents Checklist 1, ”Tabletop Electronic Flight Bag Evaluation 2. Figure 4-80 represents Checklist 2, “Electronic Fight Bag Operational Evaluation”
3. Figure 4-81 represents the “Evaluation Report Information Template”
4. Figure 4-82 represents Checklist 4, “Electronic Flight Bag Line Evaluation Job Aid”.
The high-level POI checklist review for “General EFB” are as follows:
A. General Considerations
A first step is to research if any EFB hardware or software is covered by an existing Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) report by FAA AFS. If found, this can be used as an equivalent artifact(s) to expedite the approval process of the new application.
The general consideration also focuses on workload of using the EFB application.
Determination of whether an in-flight evaluation will be necessary is made, in the event that evaluation of the EFB application cannot be accomplished on the ground to demonstrate the intended function. (For TASAR, it should be acceptable to demonstrate the application on the ground rather than an in-flight evaluation, given an appropriate set of Use Cases / scenarios to demonstrate flight crew use of the TASAR EFB. However, NASA intends to perform research in flight simulators and in flight trials to assess flight crew performance using TASAR.)
As part of the workload assessment, the POI will review the operator’s responses to the workload-related questions in Checklist 2 (as noted in Figure 4-80 in [14]. The POI will also verify that procedures are published and available to all EFB users and maintainers, that preflight procedures and checklists are revised to include the EFB, and that procedures are established for EFB failures (e.g., single / dual EFB failures).
B. Physical Placement
This portion of the POI review process focuses on the design and placement of the
“Structural Cradle” of the EFB mount. Numerous considerations are examined, e.g., 1) user procedures that specify location for EFB use and also stowage; 2) verification that EFB location does not a) obstruct visual or physical access to flight controls and/or displays; b) does not obstruct emergency egress path; c) provides security during flight; 3) mounting device a) documented per airworthiness documentation, b) locks in position easily, c) able to adjust to accommodate a range of pilot / flight crew preferences and physical abilities, d) is durable, and e) addresses crashworthiness considerations and restraint of EFB when in use.
C. Training/Procedures Considerations
1) EFB documentation and policy: Verifies that a) written policy adequately address each specific EFB application and that published AEG recommendations have been incorporated into the operator’s EFB program, b) procedures are in place to communicate upgrades of malfunctions of EFBs to users in a timely manner; c) EFB information from manufacturer is incorporated into operating procedures
2) EFB Training: Verifies that a) initial EFB training includes evaluation of knowledge and skill requirements and include demonstration of key tasks; b) recurrent training includes evaluation of proficiency with the EFB; c) minimum training, checking, and currency requirements are specified; d) EFB training is customized to application being used.
D. Validation Phase and Continued Data Collection
1) This step verifies that a) the 6-month validation phase provides documentation by pilots / users of the EFB of feedback about the EFB and its performance; and b) procedures specify the personnel responsible for EFB maintenance and database management.
2) Also ensures that operator has an ongoing data collection and feedback / correction process that ensures suitability and reliability of data; ensures that data collection processes are in place and are factored into the operators Safety Management System (SMS).
E. SMS Interface
The SMS interfaced verifies that:
1) Hazards associated with use and integration of the EFB have been identified, eliminated, or controlled, to an acceptable level through the life cycle.
Hazards such as misuse, hazardous misleading information due to failure or malfunction, loss of information when needed, miscalculation, masking of information, confusion, corruption of data, excessive complexity of use, accidental damage, and human error in use, setup, and operation have been considered;
2) Applicant’s SMS has procedures to mitigate identified hazards, e.g., availability, reliability of design, cross-checking of calculation/data, crew training, and misuse potential;
3) Applicant’s SMS incorporates EFB hazard analysis, risk assessment and related safety reports.
F. Software Considerations
Verifies that procedures are established for testing software revision or database update prior to operational use.
G. Hardware Considerations Verifies that:
1) Display lighting and reflectivity has been evaluated for acceptability in each aircraft model;
2) EFB maintenance procedures are in place for batteries, displays, display interaction devices, display pixel burnout, and component condition.
In addition to the above “General EFB” areas that the POI will review, the POI will also review the following areas, 1) Electronic Documents, 2) Electronic Check Lists, 3) Weight and Balance, Flight Performance calculations, 4) Electronic Charts. These areas are in reference to current Type A and Type B applications and are not specific to TASAR and are thus not addressed in additional detail.
In addition to these above noted review categories, the POI will also assess the EFB Validation Phase. The POI will verify that procedures are established to collect user data for normal and abnormal EFB functions during the validation phase; also that the user provides a written report of reliability and problem resolution prior to authorization, e.g., for paperless operation (or other intended uses of the EFB application).
Appendix C Certification and Operational Approval Guidelines and Regulatory Requirements for TASAR; Project Specific Certification Plan Appendix C describes the 5 phases of a certification project as documented in “The FAA and Industry Guide to Product Certification (CPI Guide)” [28]. Section C.2 describes the Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) as applied to the TASAR EFB flight-deck application. Section C.3 represents a high-level Compliance Check List supporting the PSCP for TASAR.
C.1 Phases of Certification Project