Many's the time we've been told off for playing on our iPad when we should be working -- but we're not controlling hundreds of tonnes of metal. Pilots in the US, however, are now officially allowed to use them while flying their planes.
The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has approved the gadget for use by American Airlines pilots while a mile high from Friday, our sister site ZDNet reports. And other airlines are looking into introducing them to their cockpits too, so soon European flights could be equipped with Apple kit.
Apple's tablet will replace bulky flight bags, saving fuel and meaning pilots have less weight to carry, as well as less paper to be strewn around the cockpit and possibly cause injury. Though we suspect they just said all this as an excuse to play Angry Birds. They'll also be able to download important updates immediately, rather than waiting for paper versions. And play Flick Kick Soccer.
The original iPad is also approved for use mid-flight. The other airlines looking into doing the same include UPS, Alaska and United -- all American, but if it catches on we could see Virgin Atlantic and British Airways taking up the baton.
BA's air stewards already use iPads for seating plans and tracking passengers, and they may eventually dole them out to first-class passengers as part of the inflight entertainment. Though we're guessing you'd have to give them back them after.
American Airlines has been trialling iPads in the cockpits for six months prior to the FAA granting permission. The reduced weight of iPads over flight bags should also save money in fuel over the course of a year.
Would you want your pilot equipped with an iPad? Or do you think they might spend all their time playing Tiny Wings and get some ideas? Let us know below or on our Facebook page.
Image credit: 9to5 Mac
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ace9988 14 December, 2011 19:03
i know there's a wind tunnel "simulator" on iOS but they don't need it THAT desperately
anonymous 15 December, 2011 12:32
Should pilots be allowed to use iPads? Simple answer, no. No single company should have the monopoly. Consider the better quality Android-based tablets from different manufacturers, perhaps.
anonymous 16 December, 2011 17:41
I am sure the individual airline will impose some restrictions as to what they can do on the iPads. For example viewing airport charts and Instrument plates is one thing but playing Flight Control HD might not be on. I wonder if the airline can lock down what can be installed on the devices?
I am an Android Tablet user but the aviation software available for iPad is amazing. Especially for General Aviation use. I have not been tempted over to the dark side but I do wish we would see some good aviation weather apps get to Android soon.