Definition
An electronic display system, typically a tablet or purpose-built device, that pilots use to view aeronautical charts, airport diagrams, weather information, performance data, checklists, and flight manuals in place of paper documents. EFB use in general aviation is permitted under FAA guidance, but the pilot remains responsible for ensuring the data is current and the device is reliable for the intended phase of flight.
Plain English
A tablet or similar device that holds the charts, manuals, and reference material a pilot used to carry as a stack of paper.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit equipment discussions, preflight planning, and in-flight use of charts, checklists, and flight information.
Derivation
Named after the traditional 'flight bag' — the physical bag pilots carried containing paper charts, approach plates, manuals, and checklists. 'Electronic' simply means that bag's contents now live on a screen.
Why Pilots Care
Cuts weight and clutter, lets information be updated instantly, and gives faster access to critical data during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an EFB as a special suitcase. In aviation, an EFB is the electronic tool that replaces much of what used to be carried in a pilot’s paper flight bag.
Example Sentence 1
She loaded the latest chart updates onto her EFB the night before the cross-country flight.
Example Sentence 2
During the flight the crew cross-checked fuel calculations on the EFB against the aircraft gauges.