Chart/Training Publisher Embraces The Tech Trend At OSH
Following the wave of new technology sweeping the grounds at OSH
this year, Jeppesen announced a new series of GPS training courses
-- and part 91 pilots can make the switch to electronic charts with
a sense of security.
Look Ma, No Paper
The ink is still wet on the regulations, but pilots who came to
Airventure 2007 on a paper chart and a heavy wallet can leave
navigating on an electronic flight bag. Jeppesen partnered with the
Federal Aviation Administration to produce AC91-78, USE OF EFB IN
14 CFR 91 OPERATIONS. The wording was finalized July 20, and the
circular received its designation number the day of Jeppesen's
announcement.
In short, the advisory curricular says Electronic flight bags
and Electronics Charts Displays are interchangeable with their
paper brethren - part 91 operators can make the switch to
electronic charts with no worry of the Feds questioning the
legality of the charts. Provided that pilots follow the AC to the
letter, no specific FAA authorization is required.
"In the top three concerns operators voiced, one of them was
legality," said Todd Krawczyk, Jeppesen director of Paper
Navigation Services and General Aviation. "...This new AC will now
give Part 91 pilots clear recommendations and specific guidelines
for the use of electronic charts."
The AC also strongly suggests pilots have a backup in the
cockpit, either in paper or electronic format. So -- don't expect
ATC to be too sympathetic when you tell them the only set of
batteries on board just expired.
Learning, But Not On The Fly
Jeppesen's E-Learning courses give pilots an opportunity to
learn their avionics, thoroughly, without the gallons of avgas
consumed by the way many pilots learn to use their GPS receivers --
heads-down in a cockpit while boring holes in the sky. These
computer-based lessons combine narrative lessons with interactive
emulation of the GPS units.
"These lessons don't stop in video mode? They allow users to
participate in the lesson - and with that, learning soars over 70
percent retention," said Kert Thielen, Jeppesen training manager
said. "Define, show, review, do - that's the key." "The Jeppesen
E-Learning courses for avionics teach students how to look beyond
the 'Direct To' functionality of their GPS systems and really
master the many features they provide."
Courses offered include: GNS430W/530W: Basic VFR and IFR -
$159.95; Advanced IFR - $139.95. Garmin G1000: Available fourth
quarter, 2007 Handheld GPS courses for the Garmin 196/296/396/496
and Lowrance Airmap 2000c, 1000c, and 500c range in price from
$49.95 to 69.95.