What must be true for an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to be used instead of paper charts?

For an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to be utilized in place of traditional paper charts, it is essential that the information presented within the EFB is current and functionally equivalent to the paper charts it replaces. This requirement ensures that a pilot has access to accurate and up-to-date navigational data and procedures, which is critical for safety and compliance with aviation regulations. The regulatory framework established by the FAA mandates that the information used for navigation, approach, and landing must meet the same standards as those expected from conventional paper sources.

Current information is vital because flight operations can change due to updates in charts, airspace, procedures, or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Functionally equivalent means that the EFB must present the information in a manner that pilots can use it safely and effectively as they would with paper charts, with consideration to usability, display clarity, and ease of access. Thus, not only must the data be up-to-date, it should be fully capable of fulfilling the same operational role.

While validation by ATC, linking to aircraft systems, and data storage are important features of EFBs, they do not specifically address the fundamental requirement that the information must be current and functionally equivalent to that of paper charts for it to