As Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) become the norm across the aviation industry, understanding the EFB approval process is more critical than ever.

Especially for flight operations teams tasked with implementing them.

Whether you're upgrading your current solution or integrating a new Type B EFB, regulatory compliance is a key part of the journey.

Let's walk through what EFB approval involves, what regulators expect, and how solutions like skybook can simplify the path to operational readiness.

What Is a Type B EFB?

A Type B EFB application refers to software that supports flight operations such as flight briefings, weather updates, or NOTAMs; but does not directly affect aircraft navigation or control.

These tools are essential to modern dispatch and pilot workflows, delivering comprehensive briefing information and enabling in-flight reporting, without directly interfacing with critical flight control systems.

The EFB Approval Process: What to Expect

While the specifics approval and regulatory requirements vary slightly by region (EASA, FAA, CAA, etc.), the process generally follows similar steps to the below:

1. System Design and Development

Before an app ever reaches the flight deck, it must be built to meet high standards in safety, data accuracy, and reliability.

EFB apps should be designed with these principles in mind, meeting the overall requirements for EFB systems, such as the ability to function in flight-critical environments and ensure no adverse effects on aircraft systems.
 

2. Risk Assessment

Every airline must complete a detailed risk assessment, evaluating how the app could affect flight operations, including:

• Potential failures (technical or human)
• The operational impact of outages
• Cybersecurity risks
• Data integrity issues
• Human factors, such as training and usability 

With skybook, these risks are proactively addressed:

• Operational reliability is maintained via offline capability, multi-device access and rigorous pre-deployment testing.
• Cybersecurity is enhanced through integrations with operators user management infrastructure tools like Microsoft Azure and secure user controls. Whilst maintaining high standards of employee cyber security with ISO 27001 certification.
• Data integrity is protected through real-time syncing to ensure updates are reflected in the app and audit trails to track changes to flight briefing documentation.
• Human error is minimised through intuitive UI design and robust onboarding and training support.

3. Validation and Testing

Once risks are assessed, the EFB application must be validated in real-world scenarios.

Ensuring that operational processes (e.g. pre-flight checks, in-flight monitoring) work correctly with the app.

This means putting the app through its paces in different situations, such as:

• Ground-based desktop evaluations
• In-flight operational trials
• Crew usability testing

During validation, it's critical to demonstrate that:

• Crews can operate the EFB effectively
• The app integrates into current procedures without disruption
• Backup procedures provide an acceptable equivalent if the EFB system is not available

With skybook, extensive UAT (User Acceptance Testing) and pre-deployment support ensure everything functions smoothly - both on the ground and in the air.

4. Documentation and Submission

Regulators require extensive documentation for EFB approval, including:

• A description of the EFB app and how it integrates into the airline's flight operations.
• Risk assessments and mitigations
• Flight crew training for using the app incorporated into the Operations Manual (Part B)
• Operational procedures which should be incorporated into the Operators Operations Manual (Part D)
• Testing and validation reports
• A compliance matrix to support the document submission process (typically provided by the regulator)

We can support operators throughout this process; providing guidance, templates, and documentation assistance to streamline submissions.

Final EFB Approval

After reviewing the materials and validating the system, the regulator grants formal EFB approval for operational use.

From there, it's all about maintaining compliance, monitoring performance, and continuously updating procedures as needed.

 

Why EFB Approval Is Worth the Effort

Achieving EFB approval may require time and coordination, but the benefits are clear:

• Greater operational efficiency
• Reduced paper usage and weight
• Enhanced data access for pilots and dispatchers
• Streamlined compliance tracking
• Significant potential cost savings

skybook offers a fast-track to these benefits. With built-in safeguards, user-friendly design, and a dedicated 24/7 support team with a minimum of 99.95% software uptime.

Helping airlines to navigate the regulatory landscape.

Need Help with Your EFB Journey?

Whether you're rolling out a new EFB or updating an existing one, the approval process can feel overwhelming.

Our team supports you every step of the way - from planning to full operational rollout. Contact us to begin your skybook journey!