Fokker Services certifies iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) for Bombardier Dash 8 twin-engine passenger turboprop
HOOFDDORP, The Netherlands, 31 March 2013. Cockpit avionics experts at Fokker Services in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, has certified their company's electronic flight bag (EFB) for the Apple iPad tablet computer with ARINC 429 connection on the Bombardier Dash 8 series twin-engine passenger turboprop aircraft.
The installation was at SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance BV, a Bombardier-authorized service facility at Maastricht – Aachen Airport, The Netherlands. The operator, regional carrier Widerøe's Flyveselskap AS in Bodø, Norway, is the launching Dash 8 customer for the EFB for iPad with ARINC 429 connection, Fokker officials say.
The Fokker Services EFB for iPad is EASA certified (Class 2 Type B), requires no expensive ICT infrastructure, and will be charged during all phases of flight, Fokker officials say.
Fokker Services started with the iPad EFB class 2B back in 2009. Today this iPad-based solution is sold on and installed on more than 100 aircraft including Boeing 737, 767, 777, Airbus A320, A330, A340, Bombardier Dash 8, CRJ, and Fokker aircraft.
With Widerøe, Fokker Services integrated the iPad through an ARINC 429 connection with the aircraft systems. This enables Widerøe to pick-up aircraft data like position, speed, and other data.
"The introduction of an integrated class 2B EFB is a major step forward for Widerøe," says Helge Anonsen, deputy director of flight operations at Widerøe. "We expect it reduce workload for our pilots as well as both increased safety and financial benefits. Our demanding route structure and operational environment requires a tailored and robust EFB."
Widerøe is the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, and carries around 2.6 million passengers annually to more than 40 domestic and four international destinations. They have a fleet of thirty-nine Dash-8 aircraft of -100, -200, -300 and -400 versions.
Fokker Services, part of Fokker Technologies, supplies integrated maintenance services and products to aircraft owners and operators.
For more information contact Fokker Services online at www.fokkerservices.com, or Widerøe at www.wideroe.no.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
