Goal

The goal is to coordinate development of EFBs among airlines, airframe manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators. The forum will also identify operational and technical trends for the purpose of finding standardized solutions while improving EFB services. In combination with coordinated development, this will help achieve the ultimate goal of a wider range of products, harmonized regulations, expanded capabilities, and lower cost for the benefit of all.

Scope

The EFB Users Forum was chartered by its original APIM 09-009 in October, 2009. This activity provides a unified forum for airlines, system integrators, hardware and software providers, regulators, and other interested parties to present and discuss topics of interest to the EFB user community. This includes but is not limited to EFB subjects such as:

• Regulatory changes
• Communication interfaces (including media, provider, connectivity)
• Data input devices, terminals, displays, and interactive devices
• Hardware and software development
• Electrical interfaces and power supply
• Operational issues

The EFB Users Forum is not intended to create new standards. However, when such needs are recognized, they are referred to the EFB Subcommittee or ARINC Industry Activities staff for action.

Benefit

The EFB Users Forum attracts airlines, suppliers, and regulators to discuss operational and technical trends. Speakers are invited to share their experiences and exchange information to identify issues and their potential solutions. This activity provides benefits to the aviation community by:

• Clarifying in-service issues
• Supporting operational enhancements
• Promoting interchangeability of hardware and compatibility of software
• Increasing competition and product offerings
• Encouraging harmonized regulations
• Publicizing EFB developments
• Advancing new EFB applications