Cost-effective, Innovative Upgrade Enhances Operations, Service Capabilities

Fractional jet operation Flight Options, LLC has been authorized by the FAA to utilize iPads as a Class 1 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) devices, the first to receive such authorization. The Flight Options’ Legacy 600 (similar aircraft pictured) fleet leverages the iPad to allow its flight crews to address a variety of functions that were historically accomplished with paper references. The company’s pilots are now able to perform both basic and advanced EFB activities through iPads assigned to and available in the cockpit.

Basic EFB features provide the ability to conduct flight planning calculations and access digital documentation displays such as navigational charts, operation manuals and applications and aircraft checklists. Advanced EFB features allow pilots to locate aircraft positions on navigational charts (en route and approach) and access real-time weather conditions and in-house aircraft performance. Authorization by the FAA on leveraging iPads as EFBs for the remaining Flight Options’ fleet is expected in early 2012.

Working closely with the FAA, and in compliance with its guidelines, Flight Options developed training programs and operational procedures to utilize and deploy iPads as EFBs. This has resulted in the following industry firsts for Flight Options:

• First Fractional Operator with Class 1 iPad EFB authorization
• First Part 135 Air Carrier to create, deploy and receive authorization for its own iPad aircraft performance application
• First Part 135 Air Carrier with paperless enroute chart authorization
• First Part 135 Air Carrier to utilize Wi-Fi in the cockpit for time critical updates, including real-time weather
• First Part 135 Air Carrier to deploy iPads using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system to meet FAA EFB guidance on configuration, control and security

“While certain aspects of EFBs have been around in some way, shape or form for several years, the iPad has revolutionized how people consume data,” said David Davies, CIO, Flight Options. “As a result, the iPad has inherently become an effective, innovative and cost-effective way to enhance flight operations and service offerings. We evaluated our mobile enterprise requirements. We ultimately selected AirWatch because it is the only MDM and mobile app solution that offers secure, flexible deployment options, competitive pricing and advanced security features.”

AirWatch sets the industry benchmark for competitive and transparent published pricing along with the most secure and functionally robust MDM and mobile application management (MAM) platform. AirWatch’s highly regarded functionality and deep domain expertise coupled with the solution’s value pricing, results in the company being one of the most highly rated MDM vendors by leading industry-analyst firms.

“Apple iPads have transformed flying and electronic flight bags,” said John Marshall, CEO, AirWatch. “iPads used in the cockpit help ensure that pilots not only have critical, real-time information at their fingertips throughout the flight, but also leverage enhanced security, encryption and mobile management capabilities to quickly and efficiently perform key activities in-flight. Flight Options deployment and secure management of iPads as EFBs is a game-changer for the company and the industry as a whole.”

Flight Options is developing additional iPad functionality for the future, including applications for status checks on aircraft maintenance and passenger identification.

FMI: www.flightoptions.com