OM in the News: Pilots and the iPad–Efficiency in the Airlines, Part 2

Yesterday’s blog was on building efficient airplanes that weigh less and pollute less. With jet fuel  prices at near record high prices, we noted that every pound lighter a plane can be made saves 30 gallons of fuel a year. It’s interesting that the very next day, The New York Times (July 5, 2011) reported that 1.5 pound iPads are replacing 60 pounds worth of   flight manuals that pilots currently drag around.  The FAA has started to authorize airlines to use the tablet computer as an electronic flight bag to take the place of bulky paper manuals that contain operations instructions, checklists, log books, navigation charts, weather information and airport diagrams.

The flight director at Alaska Airlines says: “The iPad allows pilots to quickly and nimbly access information. When you need to make a decision in the cockpit, 3 to 4 minutes fumbling with paper is an eternity”.  Every one of Alaska’s pilots is now using the device — and  American Airlines, which just got FAA approval, is not far behind. The e-manuals include hyperlinks and color graphics. And pilots skip the tedium of updating manuals by swapping out old pages with new ones. Switching to the iPad is also expected to reduce absenteeism from shoulder and back injuries associated with hoisting the heavy bags (which also tear up the seats, according to one AA pilot).

There are now over 250 aviation apps for the iPad, including some that are easier to use than avionics technology installed in the planes. As we discuss in Ch.7, technology can play a major role in increasing operational efficiency. With American’s fleet at about 620 planes, the airline stands to save over 1 million gallons of fuel per year just with the iPads!

Discussion questions:

1. How else does technology save the airlines time and money?

2. Can the iPads be used when the plane is in flight?