It's a headline that must make Alec Baldwin smile.
After a lengthy test review process by the FAA, American Airlines has been given the green light to let pilots use iPads in "all phases of flight." As MMi reported earlier this year, American Airlines has been angling for some time to become the first major domestic airline to make the switch to completely electronic manuals.
During the last twelve months, however, other carriers - from Alaska Airlines to Delta and, most recently, United Airlines - have also begun tinkering with iPads as tools in the cockpit. But none have received the big thumbs up from the FAA - at least not until now.
"On Friday," one source familiar with the FAA ruling tells ZDNet, "American Airlines is the first airline in the world to be fully FAA approved" for Pilots to use iPads as electronic chart and digital flight manual readers.
"The airline will begin iPad operations on B-777 aircraft," the source confirmed, adding that further implementation will subsequently roll out across all other fleets. "By using electronic charts and manuals, the safety and efficiency on the flight deck is significantly enhanced. Both the iPad I and the iPad II have been approved for use."
Source: ZDNet
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