曾经我见过有飞行员用EFB（ipad）连上机载wifi，然后用一些提供气象产品的app，来了解雷雨或台风的位置。或者在飞行中打开flightradar看看周围的飞机。这个办法真是方便极了，连我都觉得这个办法不错。我不确定是否有飞行员真的用app来绕雷雨，但是心里有点担心。担心这些数据的有效性和准确性。

今天翻看FAA的EFB咨询通告AC120-76D的时候，读到里面有关于EFB使用数据链的问题：

11.15.1 Meteorological Information (MET)/Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Products.
Data link-supported EFB applications may display approved sources of weather for strat egic/flight planning purposes. Weather and aeronautical information, such as data -linked MET and AIS products, are for advisory use only. These products are intended to enhance situational awareness, but lack the service delivery reliability and updating necessary for tactical maneuvering/use.Do not use data-linked MET and AIS products for making tactical in-flight decisions regarding flight safety when avoiding adverse weather, airspace, or obstacle hazards (e.g., negotiating a path through a weather hazard area).

 

11.15.2 Graphical Weather Information. Data link graphical weather from sources such as XM radio and next eneration weather radar (NEXRAD) may be from approved sources of advisory weather information and can only be used for strat egic/flight planning purposes. Do not use data link graphical weather information for tactical decisions because data quality is uncontrolled for aviation use. Do not use data link graphical weather data as a substitute for airborne weather radar or thunderstorm detection equipment.

所以，EFB只能“显示”经批准的数据。在线更新的数据只能当作咨询信息。不能使用EFB上的app来避让或导航。

EFB上的这些app用来给飞行员了解周边环境是可以的。我估计开了这个口子，飞行员肯定会更加依赖第三方app。毕竟这些第三方app的用户界面做的很好，这是大势所趋。