Daniel Eran Dilger
Pilots' iPads will replace flight bags of paper charts that typically weigh 35 pounds or more, according to a report by MarketWatch.
The airline will be using iPads to test the new system on two flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo and Shanghai.
American Airlines joins Alaska Air in working to shift paper flight charts to the iPad; Alaska began the shift in May.
The US Federal Aviation Administration previously classified the iPad as a "class 1" electronic device, meaning it must be stowed during takeoff and landing, even by pilots. However, the FAA has since specifically approved the use of the iPad app providing tables and other information for use during all phases of flight, making it the first time a tablet has been usable during takeoff and landing.
American began offering some of its first class and business cabin customers Samsung-built Galaxy Tab devices running Android for in-flight entertainment, capable of tapping into the WiFi networks present on certain aircraft models.
In order to work suitably, Samsung said it would "customize the Galaxy Tab for American's in-flight entertainment needs, including the addition of expanded memory."
Samsung's tablets are not yet capable of working as electric flight charts however, because they can't run the FAA-approved flight charting app.
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
AppleInsider Staff
William Gallagher
Oliver Haslam
106 Comments
So much for it only being a toy.
American began offering some of its first class and business cabin customers Samsung-built Galaxy Tab devices running Android for in-flight entertainment, capable of tapping into the WiFi networks present on certain aircraft models.
Irony alert. "American" airline gives customers Korean tablet.
I wonder how much better our economy would be by the simple application of "buy local." Congress and the executive branches seem hobbled by a system that is locked in a permanent state of preparing for getting yourself re-elected and cannot work together on much of anything anymore.
The president could unilaterally use his bully pulpit to create a national drive to urge, shame, cajole, and pressure American companies to 1) buy American made products, and if that is not possible at least 2) buy American owned company's products. Make that a part of a new definition of patriotism. Maybe we can't all fight on the front lines, but we can do this. Allow those who do (to a specified level) to label their products and ads with a special "We support America" symbol. Kind of like the star flags the families of service member can fly. The more American parts & supplies your company buys, the more stars. Those who approach 100% can display a gold star.
I think many patriotic Americans would buy Gold Star products even if they cost a bit more. At least it would give flag-wavers not in the military an opportunity to act instead of just give lip service to their patriotism.
All very nice stuff for the iPad's credibility. These things do matter when aggregated. You can't call something a toy when it's used to navigate passenger airliners. It's lighter than charts and less unwieldy. Makes sense to me.
I feel safer flying on airlines using iPads rather than Android tablets.
Here are two scenarios:
(1) The airline uses iPads for it's flight charts and everybody arrives safely at their destination. Everything just works.
(2) The airline uses Android Tablets for it's flight charts and the pilot is too busy rooting his tablet and playing with widgets, so the whole plane goes off course, it ends up crashing and you eventually end up on an island like the one in "Lost".
The president could unilaterally use his bully pulpit to create a national drive to urge, shame, cajole, and pressure American companies to 1) buy American made products, and if that is not possible at least 2) buy American owned company's products.
Obama would be a terrible patriot, according to what you wrote. He uses a Blackberry.