Delta testing iPad program for pilots

It seems odd they're using GoodReader and their own PDFs. Apps like ForeFlight have been providing integrated EFBs on iOS devices for a couple of years now and offer a much more integrated experience.

haha.. im a private pilot and been flying for 10 years. I've never had interference with a cellphone/ipad or any other tech device while flying. You can make a call up to about 3,000 ft and then it stops working anyways because your cellphone is getting signals from multiple towers and just keeps searching unable to connect. Alaskan airlines use iPads and it has the same tech as your phone.. you really think they turn it on and off before flight? Most passengers think their turning their phone off when all they are doing is putting it to sleep. It's for security reasons. I love my iPad, but when I'm flying it's almost impossible to read the device during a bright sunny day - that's my only gripe. Most pilots will keep their paper approach plates.

Would you say this was a pilot program? eh?

Actually, they do need to consult approach plates, SIDs/STARs, airport diagrams, etc. It's unclear precisely what will be in the EFB, but I do know that jetBlue has been using laptops for years now, and Airbus A380s have the EFBs built into the cockpit systems.

Presumably, they would have copies of the checklists, non-normals (although they'd need paper backup for that), and the aircraft manuals (which can run to thousands of pages).

"The one issue I see, however, is what pilots will do if they need this information during takeoff or landing. I know it's a complete pain whenever I'm on a plane and get asked to shut down all of my electronics."

If the pilot needs to consult the manual during takeoff or landing then I think there are bigger problems than whether or not they're allowed to turn on an iPad...