Definition
An electronic display system, typically a tablet or purpose-built device, that pilots use in place of paper reference material to access charts, approach plates, checklists, performance data, weather information, and other documents required for flight. EFBs may be portable (Class 1 or 2) or installed in the aircraft (Class 3), and their authorized use is governed by FAA guidance and, for commercial operators, operational approval.
Plain English
A tablet or screen the pilot uses instead of carrying a heavy bag of paper charts and manuals. Everything needed for the flight — maps, approach diagrams, checklists, weather — is on the device.
Context Anchor
Pilots use an EFB during preflight planning and in the cockpit to view needed flight information, such as route, airport, weather, and procedure information.
Derivation
The name comes from the old 'flight bag' — the heavy leather or canvas bag pilots carried filled with paper charts, manuals, and logbooks. 'Electronic' simply means that bag's contents are now on a screen.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces cockpit clutter and weight while providing instant access to current information and automated calculations that improve accuracy and reduce workload.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an EFB as just any tablet in the cockpit. In aviation use, an EFB means an electronic system being used as a flight-information tool, often replacing or supporting paper flight materials.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot opened the approach chart for the destination on the EFB and briefed the arrival.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight briefing the instructor showed how to update the EFB database with the newest charts.