skybook FAQ

skybook allows flight operations to easily manage dispatch processes by integrating their many seperate systems into one solution; whilst streamlining the flight crew processes with an innovative EFB solution.

skybook integrates a whole range of data to create an industry leading, fully compiled briefing pack, accessible to pilots on the electronic flight bag (EFB) app.

Pilots can then review their sectors, and complete their flight phase journey log using a streamlined and intuitive workflow, that includes all their relevant documents, forms, calculation tools and integrations to charting apps.

The post-flight data is then automatically synced back to the ground system for instant reporting, analysis and flight data storage and can be integrated into your own systems or for exporting if needed.

skybook includes other must-have Flight Watch modules such as Flight Tracking, NOTAM Management, Airfield Monitoring.

Enhancing safety awareness, on-time performance and providing totally unique briefing packs and complete flight data management. Leading to better decision making regarding planning and budgeting.

skybook automates and streamline manual processes within dispatch, flight deck and across flight operations, improving productivity across departments and providing enhanced flight watch for improving situational awareness.

Leading to shorter turnaround times, increased sectors and providing complete post-flight data for continuous business improvements. For more information, visit about skybook.

While other providers display the OFP on the Electronic Flight Bag, skybook goes much further by breaking it down and incorporating a wealth of information, creating an industry-leading digital briefing pack that delivers highly interactive and essential insights for the flight crew.

Our advanced integration capabilities hugely enhance dispatch processes and provides complete flight data management for full accountability, compliance and situational awareness across flight operations.

As of 2024 we have over 130 operators across 127 countries using skybook. With well over 2 million bespoke flight briefing packs generated each year.

Our customers sit at the heart of everything we develop for skybook. We produce a product roadmap that is updated based on suggestions and feedback from our customers and ongoing industry demands.

Customers have access to our support service, where they can suggest future developments and improvements at any time. We also assign a dedicated account manager for regular meetings and are available for in-person visits as needed to discuss ideas and feedback.

Our release notes, detailing software updates, are scheduled five times each year. These updates include major enhancements and new features for all users, as well as specific updates and improvements tailored to individual customer needs.

The onboarding time depends on what integrations and needs are required by the airline to go live. If we already have the required integrations and skybook is chosen as an off-the-shelf product then this will be a quick onboarding, typically less than 3 months.

If there are requests for extra features or new integrations, this would likely take between 3-6 months or possibly longer, however it all depends on the specific needs and timescales of the operator.

We collaborate with the customer throughout the entire process, aligning with their deadlines.

An electronic flight bag (EFB) is an application on a tablet device used by pilots and the flight crew. The skybook EFB app is used as a single point of truth for pilots as it integrates a huge array of flight information, such as the OFP, charts, crew rosters, flight scheduling, load sheets, weather / NOTAM data, documents and much more.

EFBs provide efficiency to the pilots workflow with a streamlined flight phase journey log and intuitive tools for calculations such as weight & balance.

After each flight, the complete data syncs to the ground team, providing flight operations with valuable insights for continuous improvement, reporting, and compliance. Learn more about an EFB

There are many benefits for airlines to use the skybook EFB that include huge cost savings due to improved efficiency, accurate data and much less printing and paper consumption.

The EFB vastly improves the pilots workflow by focusing on user experience and automating manual processes by integrating data for things such as real-time syncing of nav log data.

The skybook EFB improves communication and information sharing between flight crew and the ground, thanks to the end-to-end connection from the skybook Ground Portal, providing data management from pre-flight dispatch right through to post-flight reporting and analysis .

The skybook EFB includes modules for Digital Briefing (EFF), Journey Logging (Pre-flight, In-flight and Post-flight), Document Library, Form Builder and a summary 'quick links' section for quick access to specific areas.

There is also a tools module that includes calculations relating to Weight & Balance and Last Minute Changes.

The skybook EFB provides game-changing customisation options that removes waiting for unnecessary updates, saving costs for simple changes, and enabling your EFB to be tailored to the information your operations need.

Customisation options include changing most fields within the Journey Log flight phases, and hiding fields that are simply not needed. The Super Admin user can make customisations by accessing the settings on the Ground Portal.

Learn more about our EFB customisation.

We provide a range of different training options to suit your requirements. This includes ‘train the trainer’ sessions with EFB managers or the designated EFB person.

These are several sessions with our product experts, who will guide you through the entire system, ensuring you become fully familiar with its functions and offering opportunities to ask questions along the way.

We can cater to in-depth training sessions with the pilots, or visit your team in-person and provide full day workshop sessions.

We provide access to computer based training for all the users of the EFB and access to our online user guides. By utilising our flexible training options, operators can take the stress out of their hands.

If there is no connection, the skybook EFB goes into offline mode saving the latest version. All features are still useable and users can still view the digital OFP briefing pack information. Users can also sign-off Pre-flight and Post-flight sections of the Journey Log in offline mode. Once the data connection is established, the signed off information will sync back to the Ground Portal. Here's some more EFB questions.

We utilise advanced EFB data syncing by making use of multipeer connectivity, collaborating between devices is easier than ever. Our data syncing streamlines data sharing for flight crew and instantly updates the pilots nav in real-time!

Learn more about our EFB syncing.

The Skybook EFB integrates with various popular aviation charting apps, enabling instant transfer of flight chart data directly into these platforms. These include mPilot, FlightDeck Pro, Charts+ and Aviator, see more on our integrations page.

We are always exploring other integration possibilities with our customers to improve the pilots workflow.

Throughout the Journey Log flight phase of the EFB there are mandatory fields that operators choose for their pilots to complete. To ensure all required fields are completed, a prompt list appears at sign-off for the Pre-Flight and Post-Flight sections, highlighting any missing mandatory fields.

Yes, absolutely. We’re here to support you through the whole process - from planning and risk assessments to testing, documentation, and working with your regulator. Whether you're rolling out skybook for the first time or expanding its use, our team will guide you every step of the way. Here is an EFB approval article for further information.

The skybook EFB can easily manage back-to-back flights, multi-leg sectors, or linked rotations via our multi-sector voyage selection screen. Flight crew can:
- Select all onward sectors
- Switch between them mid-duty
- Data instantly switches to the relevant sector
Learn more here

It is possible to manually add custom crew members that may have been added to the flight at a last minute request. The custom crew will also be recorded into the flight summary data on the Ground Portal. Custom crew can be added directly in the crew section of the EFB application.

The skybook Ground Portal is a web-based platform that provides flight operations teams with tools to manage and oversee pre-flight planning, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight reports and analysis. It integrates data from multiple sources—such as weather, NOTAMs, flight plans, and fuel usage—allowing for streamlined access to information needed for flight operations.

Through the Ground Portal, dispatchers and operations staff can review and edit OFP briefing packs, track live flight progress, and analyze post-flight data. It also includes reporting features for compliance and operational insights, making it an essential part of managing airline efficiency and safety.

Learn more about Dispatch, the core feature of the Ground Portal.

Centralised Data Management: Integrating essential data like weather, NOTAMs, flight plans, and fuel information in one platform, reducing the need for multiple systems and manual data entry.

Streamlined Flight Planning and Dispatch: Automates flight briefing pack generation, ensuring that flight crews receive all necessary information accurately and on time, which saves dispatchers and crews significant preparation time.

Real-Time Flight Monitoring: Provides live flight tracking, allowing operations teams to monitor progress, make informed decisions, and respond to in-flight changes or disruptions more effectively.

Enhanced Compliance and Reporting: Stores all briefing, operational, and post-flight data, creating a comprehensive audit trail for regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Post-Flight Analytics: Analyses post-flight data, providing insights that can help improve fuel efficiency, route planning, and other operational aspects, supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Improved Communication and Collaboration: Enables seamless communication between dispatch and flight crews, with real-time status updates throughout each sector, offering an audit log and visibility into each stage of the flight.

The skybook Ground Portal includes modules for Dispatch & Ops Board, Sector Briefing, Planning Portal and Reporting & Analytics and Record Vault which comes with the comprehensive sector summary dashboard.

Why not get in touch to arrange a short trial...

You can use the Ground Portal without the skybook EFB for certain features, for example if your flight operations only require pdf briefing packs. We can also leverage our API capability if you require the information to be sent to other 3rd party EFB's.

We strongly recommend combining the Ground Portal with the EFB for a fully seamless flight data management experience within flight operations.

Weather and NOTAM integrations are utilised throughout the whole of skybook, making it essential to rely on only the most trusted datasets worldwide. We use a range of reliable weather sources including the Met Office, Jeppesen, Eurocontrol and NOAA.

We also harness Google's predictive data for displaying contrails on the weather route briefing charts

Our bespoke generated charts replace paper format wind & temperature and significant weather charts traditionally provided to dispatchers and flight crew. Charts are automatically selected based on the time the flight is scheduled to take-off and its cruising level.

Learn more about our range of weather & route charts.

Flight history data can be securely stored for up to 5 years within the skybook Record Vault, including flight plans, weather data, and NOTAMs, all safely archived once a flight has been signed off.

Although, if you do have strict requirements to hold flight data for longer, be sure to let us know.

Flight Tracking leverages the latest satellite technology, utilising real-time ACARS and/or ADS-B position updates approximately every 7 seconds to monitor each aircraft throughout its journey.

Position updates Compare actual flight progress with the planned route, allowing you to view the entire fleet or concentrate on a single journey.

The skybook reporting & analytics compiles data from the flight crews EFB, such as:

On-time performance metrics, KPI's, delay code analysis; helping to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Fuel and route performance such as planned vs actual fuel, highest burning routes, airports or fleet and yearly comparisons; allowing operators to implement strategies to reduce fuel costs, emissions and optimise route selection.

Flight summary reports displaying event timelines, crew details, flight phase data, EFF files and much more.

The Record Vault allows users to download a variety of reports and files, including voyage reports / journey logs, flight tracking data, OFP data, signature reports, EFF files, completed forms, sector attachments, manuals, and voyage assets.

Take a closer look at the Record Vault.

The airport minima data is defined by the airline operator for Category A, B and C Airfields. Alternatively we can use our default settings. Minima levels for Warning and Critical include Cloud Ceiling, Runway Visual Range (RVR), Visibility, Wind Speed, and Wind Gusts.

The minimas are shown in the briefing packs on the dispatch portal, EFB and utilised within the Airfield Watch module.

Voyage Report PDFs (also known as Journey logs) can be automatically sent to a nominated email address, once Post-Flight has been signed off in the skybook EFB application.

We utilise various processes, tools, and methodologies to ensure that data is secure within the skybook ecosystem:

We put our systems through cyber security penetration testing.

AWS is secured to ensure that only Support Engineers can access airline data when necessary, while only DevOps personnel have access to the underlying infrastructure.

Employees have access only to systems relevant to their roles and levels of seniority, and all employees are bound by non-disclosure agreement (NDA) clauses in their contracts.

We have a disaster recovery plan in our QMS as part of ISO 27001.

We encrypt data in transit (between systems and our app) and encrypt data at rest (in the database and stored within Amazon).

We use AWS monitoring systems to check for suspicious activity.

We employ Amazon RDS multi AZ to ensure our database is fully replicated and fault tolerant.

We utilise multiple zones within the AWS infrastructure to ensure no single point of failure, including daily and point in time data backups.

Our development lifecycle includes security checks including adhering to the OWASP checklist and our code being scanned for known security vulnerabilities so that these can be rectified before going into production.

skybook is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), situated within a Tier 1 data center that offers protection across the physical perimeter, infrastructure layer, data layer, and environmental layer.

Our Disaster Recovery Plan is thoroughly documented within our Quality Management System and is a crucial component of our ISO 27001 certification.

skybook operates on a fully fault-tolerant and load-balanced infrastructure within AWS with the ability to switch servers to ensure uninterrupted uptime, ensuring an impressive uptime of over 99.95%. Learn more about our uptime.

If this is a requirement due to restrictions in your country, we are open to discussing this further. In certain circumstances we have customers who need to utilise servers located within their country.

We take pride in our ISO 27001 certification Staying resilient against the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats demands ongoing vigilance.

We are committed to continuously reviewing and updating our processes while closely monitoring our systems in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure a robust response.

Our company values emphasise a strong dedication to continuous improvement across the entire organisation. This is why our team is central to our data security processes, with every employee trained on the importance of risk reduction and the appropriate procedures to follow.

Ultimately, secure solutions depend on recognising the vital role that people play in safeguarding data security.

We conduct a comprehensive compatibility testing procedure through our QA team whenever there is an iOS update, and this process is documented in our ISO quality management system.

It is possible for customers to log in to the skybook EFB app using their organisation's SSO (Single Sign-On) credentials. Which is an added security measure to supporting Multi-factor authentication (MFA).

See more of our security features.

Integrating data into skybook significantly reduces the time operators spend managing information, establishing it as a single source of truth for efficient flight operations.

We outline the integration process from the data source to the endpoint and assess how accessible it needs to be. The advantages of creating integrated data solutions include:

• Automated data management
• Streamlined workflow from pre-flight to post-flight
• Enhanced accuracy and communication
• Time savings and increased data availability

We integrate data from a wide variety of third-party systems, with data being received via API, SFTP, email, or MQ.

We can integrate with numerous systems, and if you have a specific integration requirement, we would be happy to discuss it further with you. As standard here are the types of systems we integrate with:

• Scheduling & Crew Rosters
• Flight Planning
• Aircraft Loadsheet Data & LMCs
• MEL data
• Weather & NOTAMs
• Flight Tracking systems
• Charting Applications
• 3rd party EFBs
• RAIM data
• Messaging Systems

Yes, some operators use our Ground Portal for dispatch and briefing processes, sending EFF packages to third party EFBs through our API. However, for the best experience, we recommend utilising the integrated skybook Ground Portal and EFB together.

Yes, once sectors are completed and signed off, skybook can automatically send the integrated data to multiple endpoints—whether that's back to its original source, another system, or to the skybook data storage Record Vault.

If this is a requirement, we will work with you to setup a direct integration that is in the correct format. We can also recommend a suitable crew and scheduling provider, or any other integrations you require, if needed.

Our customers are at the centre of our business, from day one, you’ll have a dedicated account manager, working together to identify your priorities and agree key milestones.

You will gain access to our 24/7 support helpdesk, available 365 days a year, along with a Service Level Agreement that addresses issues based on priority level. Learn more about our support service.

If you have any issues you can log tickets via your dedicated support helpdesk portal.

If you have any high or critical issues (causing significant operational impact), these will be actioned as high priority by our 24/7 support team, as agreed in your Service Level Agreement.

We provide a range of different training options to suit your requirements. This includes ‘train the trainer’ sessions with EFB managers or the designated EFB person.

These are several sessions with our product experts, who will guide you through the entire system, ensuring you become fully familiar with its functions and offering opportunities to ask questions along the way.

We can cater to in-depth training sessions with the pilots, or visit your team in-person and provide full day workshop sessions.

We provide access to computer based training for all the users of the EFB and access to our online user guides. By utilising our flexible training options, operators can take the stress out of their hands.

Users are notified in advance via scheduled maintenance emails for any planned maintenance, which typically lasts no more than one hour and specifies the affected software environment (live or stage).