Continental to Integrate Jeppesen Airport Maps into Class 2 EFBs

Continental is integrating Jeppesen's recently certified airport-moving-map application into the NavAero Class 2 EFBs (electronic flight bags) which are being installed on some of its fleet.

Jeppesen says the task of integrating its Airport Moving Map software into Continental's Class 2 devices will take about two months, meaning the project should be completed sometime in May or June.  The airline and Jeppesen agreed on the program last summer.

The FAA recently granted Jeppesen TSO (technical standard order) approval for this surface map application on Class 2 EFBs, which uses information from a detailed database and the aircraft's GPS position to dynamically render maps that show pilots their "own-ship" position relative to surroundings.

The goal of giving pilots increased surface situational-awareness has been a priority for safety groups, regulators and pilot organizations for some time.  Simulator evaluations have shown a consistent improvement in a flight crew's ability to know and foresee their location in relationship to runways, taxiways and parking locations because of this technology. Other research by the industry's Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) estimates that runway incursions caused by disorientation or blunders can be reduced by as much as one half when this capability is available.

Jeppesen's airport map application has been used on available Class 3 EFBs since Boeing began offering it to customers five years ago, and it is now being used by 48 Boeing customers on 345 aircraft.  These include Continental's B-777s, and will also be on the airline's forthcoming B-777s.  Approximately 200 of the world's commercial airports are now in Jeppesen's Airport Moving Map database.

The FAA finalized its policies on the use of this application on Class 2 EFBs in Advisory Circular AC 20-159, at the end of April 2007.

High-resolution pictures and video of the Jeppesen Airport Moving Map are available by going here. 03-30-2008.

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