From the moment they arrive to work to the moment they leave the plane, pilots have an immense amount of paperwork not only to complete but also to refer to. Using the iPad to replace such items will provide a more convenient way for pilots and crew to access all their necessary documentation. This new initiative will also save American Airlines an estimated 1.3 million dollars a year in fuel costs previously caused by the weight of these paper manuals. Typically, a pilot's flight bag weighs around 35 pounds. With the iPad now allowed in the cockpit, the flight bag may become obsolete.
American Airlines is in the process of testing the use if tablets by crew members by supplying iPads to all pilots within the 777 fleet. These tablets will be preloaded with the proper software - serving as the first step AA is taking towards becoming a fully "paper-free" airline. Additional plans include phasing out all paper flight manuals in 2013 as well as using iPads for flight attendants. With the 777's becoming the first fleet within American Airlines to make use of the iPad, we're left to wonder how long it will be until every fleet within American is equipped with the tablets.
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