FAA Clarifies Electronic Chart Policy

The FAA recently issued Advisory Circular (AC) 91-78, which clarifies that electronic charts, whether obtained through installed or portable display, are legal to use in
lieu of traditional paper charts. According to the AC, “EFBs/ECDs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed meets the following criteria: the system that displays the information is the equivalent of the paper reference material and the information being used for navigation or performance planning is current, up-to-date and valid.” The AC goes on to say that no formal approval is required and that backup information, whether paper or electronic, is recommended. The AC doesn’t change FAA policy, given that the use of electronic charts, or even the lack of paper charts, is not against regulations.