Jeppesen and Rockwell Collins have teamed up to offer a customer-focused, flexible electronic flight bag (EFB) to airline and military operators. The agreement between the two companies allows them to provide compatible EFB solutions that may include all or part of Jeppesen’s software and data offerings with all or part of Rockwell Collins hardware, software, service and support offerings.
Jeppesen’s EFB applications such as terminal charts, en-route moving map and airport moving map can be integrated under the Rockwell Collins application manager. Similarly, Rockwell Collins’ applications can be integrated under Jeppesen’s EFB application manager. The two companies also provide the flight- and ground-based data update and configuration management infrastructure required for a successful EFB program.
Jeppesen (Stand A821) has also announced that it has been granted operational approval for its Class 1 and 2 EFB terminal chart viewer by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The application is specifically designed for portable and semi-integrated Class 1 and 2 EFBs. The terminal chart application is part of a suite of Jeppesen applications and data that comprise the Jeppesen EFB software set.
According to the company, the application was evaluated on a number of criteria including human factors considerations and the ability for the application to meet the intended function: replace the paper charts being used by most airlines today. Pilots can switch instantly from one chart to another for instant viewing of the information they need. It also allows pilots to zoom, pan and select various viewing modes, including night viewing, while eliminating the volumes of paper charts once required on the flight deck.
In support of its broader mission to support multi-platform and multi-class EFBs, Jeppesen received U.S. operational approval for its Class 3 EFB chart viewing software. It offers the same basic functionality as the Class 1 and 2 applications. Jeppesen is the only provider of digital aeronautical charts to have received operational approval for all three EFB classes.
While Jeppesen applications have been operationally approved, an airline must still gain specific approval from its principal operations inspector (POI) and satisfactorily complete a six-month evaluation using electronic charts.
Separately, Jeppesen has finalized an agreement with Aeroflot in which the company will provide them with e-Link online chart access as well as Class 1 EFB terminal chart software and its data distribution and management system.
E-Link is a ground-based solution that allows airlines to access charts and other information electronically via an Internet connection. Many carriers use e-Link in lieu of paper for their dispatch, training, flight operations and so forth.
Because of working agreements with both Airbus and Boeing, Jeppesen claims to be the only company that makes it possible for operators to maintain software and data continuity across diverse fleets of new and existing aircraft, providing advantages in safety, reduced crew training costs, streamlined infrastructure and a single point for technical support.
