FAA plans to expand use of Apple's iPad & create its own app store
About 1,100 FAA employees are currently using iPads, but that will "broadly expand" in the near future, according to AVweb (via TUAW). That's because the FAA has found that tablets are "particularly useful" for employees like mechanics and lawyers at the administration.
"The FAA currently allows employees to use iPads to read and send e-mail or documents, and does not allow the devices to be used to access FAA networks. But that is scheduled to change," the report said.
"The FAA's manager of Architecture and Applied Technology said that by 2014, the FAA plans to allow workers the choice to replace laptops with iPads."
Because the FAA's employees have found the iPad to be an invaluable tool in daily work, the administration hopes to build more specific applications to suit their needs. In addition to creating its own application store, the FAA also reportedly hopes to expand use of the iPad to trainers and students.
Last July, the FAA approved use of the iPad as an electronic flight bag for pilots. The change allows airlines to replace cumbersome 40-pound paper manuals with just Apple's touchscreen tablet.
And in December, American Airlines became the first major commercial carrier to use Apple's iPad in all phases of flight. The iPad has been used on American Airlines flights in replace of traditional paper charts.
While the FAA has approved use of the iPad among pilots and plans to expand use among its own employees, the administration is also considering relaxing rules that prohibit use of the device among passengers. Last month, the administration said it was taking a "fresh look" at the use of portable electronics on airplanes, which could potentially lead to the iPad being approved for use during takeoff and landing.
22 Comments
This is exactly what all the nay-sayers were denying from the start. Remember all the 'it's just a toy' or 'it's just a big iPod Touch' arguments when the iPad came out?
The iPad is truly a game-changer. Possible close to the same level as the introduction of the personal computer.
If they allow the iPad to be used during takeoff and landing, then it sounds like they are not a threat to operate amongst the passengers? If not, then maybe it is the cellular connection that poses a threat. I am sure there are going to be a lot of angry passengers from using their iPads if they can't use them too.
But I guess it poses a threat in case of turbulence as the device might get thrown around during take off and landing since they aren't secured in a safe place.
Well, until you play around with one, it is hard to describe the positives. While it has more time to develop, it is still great to use, it just needs a decent sized screen. I think anything less than the current size is too small for me. I would personally like a bigger model, but it would be heavier due to having a larger battery.
If they allow the iPad to be used during takeoff and landing, then it sounds like they are not a threat to operate amongst the passengers? If not, then maybe it is the cellular connection that poses a threat. I am sure there are going to be a lot of angry passengers from using their iPads if they can't use them too.
But I guess it poses a threat in case of turbulence as the device might get thrown around during take off and landing since they aren't secured in a safe place.
A large part of the problem is the distraction issue. In the event of an emergency, passengers must drop what they're doing and pay 100% of their attention to the flight attendants. Electronic devices interfere with that.
iPads are "particularly useful"? That's strange. I always thought the iHaters claimed that iPads were "useless toys". I thought that only Windows tablets could be used for anything "useful" when it comes to business. It appears the F.A.A. thinks otherwise. I sure hope more companies think this way and iPad sales growth continues for years.