Apple is breaking into Travel and Tourism
Apple is clearly getting its way into the Travel and Tourism Industry more and more. The Federal Aviation Administrations approved American Airlines pilots for Apple iPad use in cockpit during take-off and landing in December, 2011. iPad is the only approved tablet by FAA. American Airlines is using them happily and they have expended their stock.
A Look at American Airlines' iPad Electronic Flight Bag
AOL travel website Gadling takes a look at the American Airlines iPad Electronic Flight Bag that received initial FAA approval more than a year ago.
The airline's pilots can replace 40 pounds of company manuals and maps with a pair of iPads (one for each pilot), along with a long-life battery to keep the iPads powered for 24 hours.
Because both pilots are carrying iPads with backup batteries, the FAA feels this is as redundant as paper manuals.
To get that approval, American had to have the iPad tested in a hypobaric chamber to simulate how the device would handle during a rapid decompression. They also had to arrange for mount testing with the FAA, which is ironic since our manuals weigh far more than the iPad and aren't secured in place. Many takeoffs have resulted in a book or two sliding off the side table and onto the floor."
Interesting article Kamila, it's no surprise to me that even pilots are now using the iPad. It's a very useful and smart gadget although I would be a bit worried because they are replacing their usual manuals with iPads, something could go wrong with them. For example what if the iPad had a system failure? It's a good job they have one for each pilot just in case. I have a few blogs about the innovative uses of the iPad in the hospitality industry. Take a look if you get the chance.
ReplyDeleteVery good article Kamila. Pilots are important people in terms of working in the tourism industry. It will be good to have iPads on the planes. I am not surprised that this has been allowed on flight. With technology improving, this is ideal and shows an improvement for the future.
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