Electronic Flight Bag

Some suggestions on using ATP as an EFP:

• Select a laptop or tablet computer that is of a size that going to work well in your airplane.  Biggest is not always the best.  Remember that with a PDF file you can always blow them up to any size you wish.
• Always have an external power source.  Never ever depend on the computer’s battery.
• If possible orient the screen so the CD is at the top.  If you are resting the PC in your lap you have a tendency to open the CD drawer.  Also if your notepad is like mine the external power input is on the other side and this will help keep it plugged into the PC.
• Most of the portable computers generate some heat, so it flying with something warm between you legs could bother you, you may want to take that into consideration when selecting your hardware.
• The stylus or pointing device, that comes with you tablet PC, is a valuable piece of hardware, and you don’t want to drop it on the floor of the plane and go looking for it while you’re on an approach.  My suggestion is to develop some kind of leash, either around your wrist or around your neck.  I have not come up with a good solution as yet.
• I've also found that setting your tablet PC up the way you want it for takeoff and then putting it into hibernate will save you some time when your ready for departure.  That way all you have to do is turn it on and your ready to go.
• You can create several Trip Packs for a particular  flight like one for takeoff, one for landing, one for alternates and select the one you want, while in clipboard view with two clicks.