Electronic Flight Bag - Hardware Classes

Hardware Classes

Electronic Flight Bags are divided into three hardware classes and three software types. Reference FAA Order 8900.1 FAA Inspector Handbook Guidance on FSIMS for the most recent and accurate descriptions:

EFB hardware classes include:

• Class 1 - Standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment such as laptops or handheld electronic devices. These devices are used as loose equipment and are typically stowed during critical phases of flight. A Class 1 EFB is considered a Portable Electronic Device (PED). Class 1 EFBs may be used to display Type B applications in critical phases of flight provided that they are 'secured and viewable'.

• Class 2 - Also Portable Electronic Devices, and range from modified COTS equipment to purpose-built devices. Mounting, power (ship's power as primary) or data connectivity of an EFB typically requires the application of an STC, Type Certificate or Amended Type Certificate. (ref: FAA Order 8900.1)

• Class 3 - Considered "installed equipment" and subject to airworthiness requirements and, unlike PEDs, they must be under design control. The hardware is subject to a limited number of RTCA DO-160E requirements (for non-essential equipment—typical crash safety and Conducted and Radiated Emissions testing). There may be DO-178B requirements for software, but this depends on the application-type defined in the Advisory Circular. Class 3 EFBs are typically installed under STC or other airworthiness approval.