Estero, Fla.-based Flightdocs, a provider of aircraft maintenance tracking software and services, released on Monday what it says is the first aircraft maintenance tracking iPad application. The Flightdocs Mobile Information Center app is available free at the iTunes store, though a Flightdocs maintenance tracking subscription is required. It allows all flight crews to access and report aircraft maintenance information in real time, even while an aircraft is airborne. This includes generating squawks while in flight, allowing maintenance technicians on the ground to troubleshoot the problem in real time, as well as order parts and/or services before the aircraft even lands. The app also eliminates paper maintenance records from the flight deck by providing digital due lists, routine aircraft times reporting and post-flight discrepancy reporting. Maintenance technicians can use the app to obtain this same information, as well as instant access to Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins and customer service. “By integrating the use of the iPad into Flightdocs, our operators will see an immediate reduction in their workload, improved operational efficiency and lower operating costs. The in-flight squawk capabilities could save our operators thousands of dollars per incident in troubleshooting alone,” according to Rick Heine, president of Flightdocs.