Within hours of Apple’s new iPad (aka iPad 3), GlobalNavSource announced the third-generation table passed a rapid decompression (RD) test conducted at its Punta Gorda, FL headquarters. The company subjected the iPad to a simulated 51,000′ rapid decompression event compliant with RTCA DO-160G standards for RD testing and certification.
“We are always concerned each time a new iPad is launched,” said GlobalNavSource CEO Jeffrey Ariens. “This is good news for aviation.”
Even though the results speak well for the future of Apple’s new iPad in aviation applications, Wayne Belleau, GlobalNavSource Director of Quality Assurance, cautions operators to take these results with a grain of salt. “While this is good news, it certainly isn’t utopia,” said Bellaeu. “Not all iPads are the same, and not all iPads pass [RD testing].”
Bellaeu points out that the iPad is not developed to the same standards as avionics products, and the manufacturing process is not governed by FAA oversight. While avionics systems developed according mission-critical standards, like RTCA DO-264 “Design Assurance and Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware”, that ensure consistency of subcomponents throughout the development, testing and production processes, the iPad is a Consumer Off the Shelf (COTS) product and does not meet the same stringent production standards as avionics.
Apple may only use one part number to designate the latest version of the iPad, but COTS manufacturers may substitute various subcomponents across different production runs. Because of these differences, the testing performed on one iPad may not be representative of all iPads of the same model. Based on GlobalNavSource’s iPad testing experience, Belleau believes: “[There is] no way to determine whether a unit will meet the higher standards for aviation without actual testing.”
GlobalNavSource offers an iPad testing and documentation package that covers both rapid decompression (RD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing that complies with RTCA DO-160G test standards starting at $200 per unit.
GlobalNavSource deserves major kudos for taking the initiative and performing the rapid decompression test on the “iPad 3″ (Apple is just calling it the iPad). Great job!
But do you really have to do altitude testing? Fujitsus and others have been flying for years, and nobody’s tested them.
Altitude testing is an exercise in risk mitigation, which the Feds absolutely want to see operators of large and turbine power perform. The Fujtsus were adopted in an earlier era befor the FAA has any idea what EFBs are and how they are used. On the other hand, the military did high altitude testing and EMI testing on several generations of the Fujitsu.
I’d be interested in learning about the alternatives to iPad solutions in this area.
The iPad is nice, “pretty”, sturdy but there are better business alternatives in my view – it’s a highly limited machine from an operations and business perspective:
- no direct external or expandable storage (e.g USB or SD)
- not able to directly link to a larger screen for presentations
- can’t swap a fresh battery in when it’s exhausted
- can’t display the ubiquitous flash player used on most web sites(!)
- also not sure if it has handwriting recognition either?
I’d like to be pointed to some Android and Windows alternatives that can be used in cockpit, if there are any?
When do you think the Feds will approve the new iPad for cockpit use
As long as the iPad is being used as a Portable Electronic Device, the really is no blanket Fed “approval”. It comes down to the PIC / operator to authorize the use, or the POI in case of 135 and 121 operators. RD testing and EMI testing is really about ensuring that the device doesn’t present a hazard, rather than approving the device as a navigation aid.
Yea I meant for use as an EFB in the cockpit. Our company (part 135) already uses the ipad 2 for jepps and since I already own an first gen, i didnt upgrade. But you are saying as long as our POI says its ok to use, thats sufficient enough?
Sine there are no actual FARs that apply to EFB approval other 91.21 (and arguably 91.503) the POI has nearly unlimited authority to approve the use of an EFB if he feels all of the risks are adequately addressed. Of course the Advisory Circulars and FAA handbook detail the preferred method the Inspector SHOULD follow to mitigate EFB risks, buy this guidance is just policy or Best Practices, and is not necessarily regulatory.
Any future plans to “Kaboom” an iPad 3 and offer your own report/certificate?
We’re looking for sponsors to make it happen, but so far there are no takers. We rely on sponsors and individual donors to make these projects happen. If enough operators download the current report and make a donation, we can move forward with the “iPad 3″ Rapid Decompression Testing without sponsors. So give early and give often, and tell your friends!
Speaking of IPad3, has anyone had problems with the charger? I cannot get the battery to charge when the IPad is on. Have read similar stories on apple’s website. Anybody know if Apple is going to fix this?