Technology is a great thing. You’re flying along with not a care in the world.
Then your Electronic Flight Bag fails, leaving you without a clue as to where you are.
Do you, as a pilot, have a backup?
A Civil Aviation Safety Engineer estimated earlier this year that 90% of Visual Flight Rules pilots failed to have a backup. A backup being maps/charts/lists of radio frequencies. The requirements to carry a set of accessible set of maps etc. before the flight commences, is outlined in CASA Regulation 233(1)(h)
233 Responsibility of pilot in command before flight
(1) The pilot in command of an aircraft must not commence a flight if he or she has not received evidence, and taken such action as is necessary to ensure, that:
…
(h) the latest editions of the aeronautical maps, charts and other aeronautical information and instructions, published in AIP or by a person approved in writing, that are applicable:
(i) to the route to be flown; and
(ii) to any alternative route that may be flown on that flight;
are carried in the aircraft and are readily accessible to the flight crew.
Yes, the Pilot In Command could argue that their EFB worked before taking off, but wouldn’t it be better to have a “Plan B”?
And know how to use it.
References:
Flight Safety Australia – Blind Faith
Electronic Flight Bag – Friend or Foe