Plain English Meaning
EFB programs that pilots actually rely on to fly the aircraft -- like electronic charts and approach plates -- so they're held to a higher standard than basic reference apps.
Full Definition
A category of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) software whose failure or misuse could have a major impact on safety or operations. Type B applications include items such as pilot-controlled electronic charts, approach plates, and en route navigation displays where the data shown is used for primary reference during flight. Type B applications require formal operator authorization and an evaluation process before they can replace paper equivalents.
Context Anchor
Seen in EFB guidance when deciding what kinds of apps may be used on a tablet or cockpit display during flight operations.
Why Pilots Care
Type B applications improve flight planning and situational awareness while remaining easier to certify and install than applications that interface with aircraft systems.
Intuition Check
“Type B” does not mean a quality grade, a software version, or the second-best kind of app. Here it means a specific FAA EFB category for apps that can affect flight operations and therefore need operational review before use.
Example Sentence 1
Because the electronic approach chart application is a Type B software application, the operator had to complete an evaluation period before removing paper charts from the flight deck.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the crew reviewed the approach plates inside their Type B application and zoomed in on the missed-approach procedure.