EASA Issues Final Electronic Flight Bag Rule Proposal for Non-Commercial Operators
/Locally owned and headquartered Aviation Management Services (Cayman) Ltd. (AMS) announced today it has a program to offer operators (that comply or have integrated EASA rules into their flight department or operational certifications) an approvable EFB policy and acceptance into their current EASA operating approval.
EASA has released details of its proposed rule changes for Electronic Flight Bags (EFB’s), which now includes new provisions for Non-Commercial Operators and codifying ICAO's standards for the equipment in the agency’s regulations.
Currently existing EASA rules address EFB usage for commercial air transport operators, but the new rules would introduce requirements for other operator categories, including:
- Non-Commercial Operators (NCO)
- Complex-Motor-Powered Aircraft (NCC)
- Specialized Operations (SPO)
The rules introduce operational approvals for Type B EFB applications for the above operators, and integrating ICAO standards and recommended practices, including a broadening of the airport moving-map provisions.
EASA explained “The objective of the proposed rules is to provide for a level playing field by ensuring compliance with ICAO Annex 6 and introducing proportionate requirements adapted to the risks involved and to the resources of the affected operators”. “Proportionality is ensured for NCC, SPO, and NCO by not introducing any operational approval and by proposing requirements which are adapted to the risks involved and to the resources of the affected operators.”
EASA expects adoption of the EFB rules in mid-2018.