Definition
An FAA Advisory Circular titled 'Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components,' which provides guidance and acceptable methods for installing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) hardware and mounting devices in aircraft. It addresses installed EFB components, distinguishing them from portable EFBs, and outlines airworthiness considerations such as electrical power, mounting structure, and crew accessibility.
Plain English
An FAA guidance document that tells operators and installers how to properly fit EFB equipment — like mounts, power connections, and displays — into an aircraft so it meets safety and airworthiness standards.
Context Anchor
Seen in Electronic Flight Bag discussions when deciding how an EFB, tablet mount, power source, or connected hardware should be approved for use in an aircraft.
Derivation
AC' stands for Advisory Circular, the FAA's standard format for non-regulatory guidance. The '20' series covers general aviation matters, and '173' is the specific document number assigned to EFB installation guidance.
Why Pilots Care
It establishes the standards and process for legally installing and using EFBs during flight operations.
Intuition Check
AC here does not mean air conditioning or alternating current. In this context, AC means Advisory Circular, an FAA guidance document.
Example Sentence 1
Before mounting the new tablet bracket on the yoke, the maintenance shop reviewed AC 20-173 to confirm the installation met FAA guidance.
Example Sentence 2
Following AC 20-173 allowed the flight department to equip their aircraft with approved tablets for approach charts.