Definition
An EFB software application classification covering static, non-interactive aeronautical information that pre-composed paper or chart products are intended to replace, such as PDF copies of approach plates, airport diagrams, the Aeronautical Information Manual, aircraft flight manuals, checklists, and operations manuals. Type A applications do not include moving-map displays, real-time data, or interactive calculations.
Plain English
The simplest category of EFB software. It covers digital versions of the paper documents pilots used to carry — charts, manuals, checklists — shown as fixed pages without any live updates or interactive features.
Context Anchor
Seen in Electronic Flight Bag discussions when describing what kinds of apps may be carried on an EFB and how much approval or backup they may need.
Derivation
“Type” comes from a word meaning a class or kind. Here, “Type A” means one FAA category of EFB software, not a quality grade or a personality label. “Application” means a software program used for a specific task.
Why Pilots Care
Type A applications require minimal regulatory approval because they cannot affect flight-critical information or aircraft performance.
Analogy
A Type A application is like carrying a binder on a tablet instead of on paper. It is useful and convenient, but it is not flying the airplane for you.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Type A” as meaning “best,” “highest,” or “most advanced.” In this context, it means a low-risk category of EFB software based on what the app does and what happens if it fails.
Example Sentence 1
The operator's EFB carries the airport diagrams and checklists as Type A software applications.
Example Sentence 2
Because the checklist viewer was a Type A application, it needed no special certification for use in the cockpit.