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Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

October 21, 2025/by Bret Koebbe

For instrument-rated pilots, an iPad or other electronic flight bag (EFB) isn’t just a convenience—it’s a fully legal replacement for paper charts in most Part 91 operations. Staying current with the FAA’s rules and guidance is an important part of maintaining IFR proficiency, and understanding the legal framework helps you use your digital tools confidently.

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

October 17, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

When ATC takes control of your headings and altitudes, precision and anticipation are key. In this spotlight, we’ll cover how to fly an instrument approach using radar vectors from ATC—maintaining communication discipline, staying ahead of the airplane, and managing configuration and speed changes.

Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

October 21, 2025/by Bret Koebbe

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

October 17, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

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Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

October 21, 2025/by Bret Koebbe

For nearly all general aviation IFR flights under Part 91, yes. Your iPad can replace paper charts.

Many pilots still ask, “Is my iPad legal for IFR use?” The short answer: for nearly all general aviation IFR flights under Part 91, yes. Your iPad can replace paper charts, approach plates, and many traditional cockpit reference materials—if used properly. Here’s a closer look at the applicable regulations and guidance:

FAR 91.21—Portable Electronic Devices: This regulation primarily applies to commercial carriers and IFR operations, but its guidance is relevant to all pilots. The pilot in command is responsible for ensuring that any device, including an iPad, won’t interfere with navigation or communication systems. For Part 91 GA, this is a straightforward determination you make as PIC.
AC 91-78A—Use of Electronic Flight Bags: The key advisory for Part 91 operators, covering VFR and IFR flights. EFBs may replace paper materials in all phases of flight, as long as the data is current, the device is properly secured, and it is functionally equivalent to the paper chart it replaces. This AC confirms that IFR pilots may rely on EFBs for enroute charts, approach procedures, airport diagrams, and performance data.
AC 91-92—Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing: Offers guidance for self-briefings using an EFB. Pilots do not need to contact Flight Service to be compliant—the FAA considers a thorough self-briefing with digital tools to meet regulatory requirements. This is particularly helpful for IFR pilots planning routes, checking NOTAMs, and reviewing weather along multiple waypoints.
AC 120-76D—Guidelines for Certification and Use of EFBs: While aimed at commercial operations, it contains practical recommendations for GA pilots. It defines Type A and Type B applications—Type B apps include flight planning, electronic charts, checklists, and performance calculators. It also provides guidance on battery management, stowage, and interference testing, which is particularly important for IFR flights where redundancy and reliability are critical.

Practical IFR tips for EFB use:

Always verify data currency: Ensure your approach plates, enroute charts, and weather data are up to date before departure.
Secure your device: Proper stowage prevents distractions or damage during takeoff, turbulence, and landing.
Use geo-referencing responsibly: Overlaying your position on an EFB is permitted, but always cross-check with your PFD or installed navigation systems.
Plan for contingencies: Have a backup method for critical information—either a second EFB, a printed approach plate, or an installed avionics display.

So is it legal?

Yes, your iPad is absolutely a legal, reliable, and ready to replace paper charts in your cockpit—but you are ultimately responsible as PIC to ensure it works safely and does not interfere with the aircraft. Consider testing your EFB in controlled conditions, such as a VFR flight or with a safety pilot, before relying on it in IFR conditions.

For a visual summary of the rules and best practices, check out our IFR EFB flow chart:

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

October 17, 2025/by IFR Focus Team

Welcome to the latest edition of the Instrument Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your instrument training and be expected to demonstrate during your checkride.

Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

Practical IFR tips for EFB use:

So is it legal?

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

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