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iPads are slowly beginning to replace some aspects of paper-based communication. One area iPads have recently infiltrated is the cockpit of airplanes. According to an article in the New York Times titled “The Paperless Cockpit”by Kate Murphy, the 1.5 lb iPad is beginning to replace the 40 plus-pounds of paper reference materials airplane pilots must carry with them.
The Federal Aviation Administration has allowed a handful of charter and commercial carriers to use the iPad as an “electronic flight-bag.”
“The iPad allows pilots to quickly and nimbly access information,” said Jim Freeman, a pilot and director of flight standards at Alaska Airlines, which has given iPads to all its pilots. “When you need to a make a decision in the cockpit, three to four minutes fumbling with paper is an eternity (“The Paperless Cockpit).”
In the article, Jack Long, a technology entrepreneur in Austin, Texas, said he bought two iPads (one is a backup in case the other fails) to use in his plane. Long said the iPad saved him money. The iPad apps only cost him about $150 a year versus paying over $1400 for subscriptions to paper maps and charts.
In addition to saving money, some believe the lightweight iPad will offer health benefits. In the article, David Clark, a pilot and manager of the connected aircraft program at American Airlines said the iPad is expected to reduce health care costs and absenteeism from back and shoulder injuries associated with carrying heavy flight bags.
“Alaska Airlines has already cut 25 lbs of paper from pilots flight bags and they are looking to cut an additional 5 lbs. Counting both the pilot and co-pilot, that would remove 60 pounds of paper from the cockpit — a significant savings not only in paper and printing costs but also in fuel because planes are that much lighter (“The Paperless Cockpit).”
I agree that carrying 40 lbs of manuals and reference materials can be quite strenuous and does seem a little excessive. However, I feel it comes with the territory.
I do believe it would be better if the amount of paper could be streamlined. However, airplanes are very complex and sometimes there just isn’t a way to streamline what needs to be said.
I believe iPads are a great tool that should be used along with paper manuals and reference materials. My only fear is what happens if the battery dies or there is a glitch in the software? One thing paper has going for it is the battery will never die. On the other hand, in the event of a crisis, it could be a lot easier to navigate an iPad than to search for the answer in 40 lbs of paper manuals.
Another concern is how often will the technology have to be replaced? On the other hand, technology is always changing and paper manuals would have to be updated just as regularly as the technology would. It is a lot easier to download an update than to reprint an entire manual.
I feel paper manuals and reference material should not be eliminated entirely. Instead, it should always be available in the cockpit as a reliable backup in case something goes wrong. What do you think?
For more information, check out the New York Times article by Kate Murphy.
