EASA SIB 2010-23: Use of Portable Devices in Aircraft by the Flight Crew

What to do

Operators and flight crews should not use portable devices as substitutes for certified aircraft equipment and should follow the guidance in JAA/EASA TGL 29 and TGL 36 to minimize interference risks. Applicants seeking type design changes involving portable devices must prepare for extensive certification processes and coordinate with EASA for guidance. No specific compliance deadlines are stated in the bulletin.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No. 2010-23 addresses the use of portable devices by flight crew on aircraft. It highlights that portable devices, including those depicting aircraft position or flight information, are not subject to EASA airworthiness approval and cannot replace certified aircraft systems. The bulletin applies broadly to all aircraft types and emphasizes that such devices do not comply with EU-OPS 1.630(d) or JAR-OPS 3.630(d) regulations.

What changed

This bulletin introduces guidance clarifying that portable electronic devices used by flight crew are not considered installed equipment and thus fall outside the EASA airworthiness approval process. It also reiterates that devices marketed as Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) but lacking proper certification are not accepted as such by EASA. Additionally, it references existing JAA/EASA Temporary Guidance Leaflets 29 and 36 as assistance material for safe PED usage.

Why it matters

This information is important for pilots, aircraft owners, and operators to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to avoid reliance on uncertified portable devices for critical flight tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps prevent potential safety risks from interference or misleading information in the cockpit. It also informs certification and design organizations about the need for thorough evaluation if seeking airworthiness approval for such devices.