UPS to Roll-Out Electronic Flight Kit Program
07-16-2013, 07:30 PM
#1
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: B757/767 Captain
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UPS to Roll-Out Electronic Flight Kit Program
UPS to Roll-Out Electronic Flight Kit Program to All Crewmembers
In early 2011, UPS began the review process to seek FAA authorization to allow Apple’s iPad in the cockpit as an Electronic Flight Kit (EFK). This February, UPS was granted OpSpec A061 authority to utilize the iPad and associated software for all phases of flight. In May, we received FAA approval to include the iPad 4 and iPad mini, and in June we received FAA approval to use Jeppesen FDPro in the EFK program.
According to Vice President of Flight Operations, Matt Capozzoli, UPS will begin the implementation of the UPS EFK program. The program will include providing each crewmember with an Apple iPad 4 16 GB Wi-Fi enabled device, a protective case, a back-up battery and appropriate flight software. Additionally, all UPS aircraft will be equipped with cockpit securing devices.
The roll-out will begin immediately with an anticipated 60-day implementation planning process that includes procurement of equipment, documentation, training and installation of cockpit securing devices. Once the implementation logistics are complete, the deployment is expected to take approximately 120 days and occur in three phases. The roll-out will begin by providing devices to the 282 member test group and flight qualified management, followed by captains and then first officers.
The implementation of the EFK program is certain to provide substantial benefits including improved fidelity and access to information, reduced paper usage, fuel savings through aircraft weight reduction, and reduced carbon emissions.
“I am excited about this technology advancement and I look forward to the completion of the program’s roll-out,” said Capozzoli.
In early 2011, UPS began the review process to seek FAA authorization to allow Apple’s iPad in the cockpit as an Electronic Flight Kit (EFK). This February, UPS was granted OpSpec A061 authority to utilize the iPad and associated software for all phases of flight. In May, we received FAA approval to include the iPad 4 and iPad mini, and in June we received FAA approval to use Jeppesen FDPro in the EFK program.
According to Vice President of Flight Operations, Matt Capozzoli, UPS will begin the implementation of the UPS EFK program. The program will include providing each crewmember with an Apple iPad 4 16 GB Wi-Fi enabled device, a protective case, a back-up battery and appropriate flight software. Additionally, all UPS aircraft will be equipped with cockpit securing devices.
The roll-out will begin immediately with an anticipated 60-day implementation planning process that includes procurement of equipment, documentation, training and installation of cockpit securing devices. Once the implementation logistics are complete, the deployment is expected to take approximately 120 days and occur in three phases. The roll-out will begin by providing devices to the 282 member test group and flight qualified management, followed by captains and then first officers.
The implementation of the EFK program is certain to provide substantial benefits including improved fidelity and access to information, reduced paper usage, fuel savings through aircraft weight reduction, and reduced carbon emissions.
“I am excited about this technology advancement and I look forward to the completion of the program’s roll-out,” said Capozzoli.
07-16-2013, 11:40 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: MD11 CPT
Posts: 1,077
The real announcement...
Fellow IPA Members:
Today, UPS is announcing their decision to adopt the iPad 4 as the electronic (EFK) replacement for existing paper flight kits. The roll out will begin immediately with UPS purchased iPads projected to be in every crewmember’s possession by year’s end.
The IPA welcomes the Company’s decision, and we are pleased to announce that the program will be contractually implemented pursuant to a new UPS/IPA “Memorandum of Understanding—EFK.” A copy of the new agreement can be found by linking to: http://library.ipapilot.org/weblibrary/MOU/ipadmou...
The IPA believes the adoption of this new technology advances operational safety and efficiency. We applaud the Company for this decision.
As for IPA’s part, the implementation of an EFK program represents the fulfillment of a long-term Association goal. Reducing the weight of the flight bag, eliminating paper Jepp revisions forever, these are both significant quality of life improvements.
The Association supported IPA member participation in the Company’s FAA test/validation program. When, however, the test program ended, the Association requested and received your support in temporarily putting down the devices.
Acting as a unified pilot group, we communicated to UPS that we supported the iPad, but only with contractual rules that govern its use and provide user protections. We are pleased to announce that, with your support, the IPA has achieved such an agreement with UPS. The new MOU provides the following:
1. UPS will pay for and purchase iPads, iPad protective cases, and a backup battery for every UPS crewmember. Mounting devices will be installed and maintained by UPS onboard the aircraft.
2. UPS will own the device and use will be limited to accessing FAA approved materials including Jepps, charts, the AOM, FOM, IOM and related UPS materials. UPS will be responsible for any necessary software or hardware updates, maintenance, or new devices as older ones become obsolete.
3. UPS will maintain Wi-Fi availability on property in those major gateways and domiciles listed in Article 5.H.6. to facilitate electronic updating.
4. Contractual rules protecting crewmembers from discipline with respect to CVRs and FDRs, have been expanded to include crewmember EFK use.
5. Through research and questioning, we learned that the GPS feature of the iPad allows for “tracking” even if the location services function is turned “OFF” on an individual device. The MOU, however, protects you by providing that no disciplinary action can be taken based on any information the Company may obtain through the device’s built-in location tracking system.
6. Contractual rules protecting crewmembers, their families, and estates from legal liability are now specifically extended to crewmember EFK use.
7. EFK training will be conducted in accordance with the contract with 2.5 hours of home study credit for initial device training.
8. In the event of accidental loss, damage, or theft of an iPad, the Company will bear the cost of repair or replacement under reasonable circumstances assuming the pilot was making reasonable attempts to take care of the device.
9. UPS expressed an interest in communicating with crewmembers using the iPad. The MOU, however, provides that any messages to your iPad cannot contractually be considered “contact.” Also, Company communications via the iPad that go unacknowledged cannot serve as a basis for Company discipline. The importance of these protections are obvious, and cannot be overstated.
10. UPS agrees to maintain adequate user tech support of the device to include online or toll free telephone support.
As you can see from the above, the Association has succeeded in building a safety net of contractual protections for every IPA member. This did not occur by chance. It was, in our opinion, necessary for the Company to understand our level of concern and seriousness in not moving forward with the program until these contractual concerns were addressed.
Your voice was heard. Moving together as a unified group, we were successful. This success belongs to every IPA member who followed the Association’s recommendations throughout this process. Thank you.
No program, however well thought-out, can be expected to be problem free. There will most likely be issues that develop that were not anticipated. Fortunately, we now have set a strong precedent that the Company has the obligation to meet, discuss, and resolve any EFK issues with the IPA.
Today, UPS is announcing their decision to adopt the iPad 4 as the electronic (EFK) replacement for existing paper flight kits. The roll out will begin immediately with UPS purchased iPads projected to be in every crewmember’s possession by year’s end.
The IPA welcomes the Company’s decision, and we are pleased to announce that the program will be contractually implemented pursuant to a new UPS/IPA “Memorandum of Understanding—EFK.” A copy of the new agreement can be found by linking to: http://library.ipapilot.org/weblibrary/MOU/ipadmou...
The IPA believes the adoption of this new technology advances operational safety and efficiency. We applaud the Company for this decision.
As for IPA’s part, the implementation of an EFK program represents the fulfillment of a long-term Association goal. Reducing the weight of the flight bag, eliminating paper Jepp revisions forever, these are both significant quality of life improvements.
The Association supported IPA member participation in the Company’s FAA test/validation program. When, however, the test program ended, the Association requested and received your support in temporarily putting down the devices.
Acting as a unified pilot group, we communicated to UPS that we supported the iPad, but only with contractual rules that govern its use and provide user protections. We are pleased to announce that, with your support, the IPA has achieved such an agreement with UPS. The new MOU provides the following:
1. UPS will pay for and purchase iPads, iPad protective cases, and a backup battery for every UPS crewmember. Mounting devices will be installed and maintained by UPS onboard the aircraft.
2. UPS will own the device and use will be limited to accessing FAA approved materials including Jepps, charts, the AOM, FOM, IOM and related UPS materials. UPS will be responsible for any necessary software or hardware updates, maintenance, or new devices as older ones become obsolete.
3. UPS will maintain Wi-Fi availability on property in those major gateways and domiciles listed in Article 5.H.6. to facilitate electronic updating.
4. Contractual rules protecting crewmembers from discipline with respect to CVRs and FDRs, have been expanded to include crewmember EFK use.
5. Through research and questioning, we learned that the GPS feature of the iPad allows for “tracking” even if the location services function is turned “OFF” on an individual device. The MOU, however, protects you by providing that no disciplinary action can be taken based on any information the Company may obtain through the device’s built-in location tracking system.
6. Contractual rules protecting crewmembers, their families, and estates from legal liability are now specifically extended to crewmember EFK use.
7. EFK training will be conducted in accordance with the contract with 2.5 hours of home study credit for initial device training.
8. In the event of accidental loss, damage, or theft of an iPad, the Company will bear the cost of repair or replacement under reasonable circumstances assuming the pilot was making reasonable attempts to take care of the device.
9. UPS expressed an interest in communicating with crewmembers using the iPad. The MOU, however, provides that any messages to your iPad cannot contractually be considered “contact.” Also, Company communications via the iPad that go unacknowledged cannot serve as a basis for Company discipline. The importance of these protections are obvious, and cannot be overstated.
10. UPS agrees to maintain adequate user tech support of the device to include online or toll free telephone support.
As you can see from the above, the Association has succeeded in building a safety net of contractual protections for every IPA member. This did not occur by chance. It was, in our opinion, necessary for the Company to understand our level of concern and seriousness in not moving forward with the program until these contractual concerns were addressed.
Your voice was heard. Moving together as a unified group, we were successful. This success belongs to every IPA member who followed the Association’s recommendations throughout this process. Thank you.
No program, however well thought-out, can be expected to be problem free. There will most likely be issues that develop that were not anticipated. Fortunately, we now have set a strong precedent that the Company has the obligation to meet, discuss, and resolve any EFK issues with the IPA.
07-17-2013, 01:38 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: Junior
Posts: 280
Fellow IPA Members:
...
5. Through research and questioning, we learned that the GPS feature of the iPad allows for “tracking” even if the location services function is turned “OFF” on an individual device. The MOU, however, protects you by providing that no disciplinary action can be taken based on any information the Company may obtain through the device’s built-in location tracking system.
...
5. Through research and questioning, we learned that the GPS feature of the iPad allows for “tracking” even if the location services function is turned “OFF” on an individual device. The MOU, however, protects you by providing that no disciplinary action can be taken based on any information the Company may obtain through the device’s built-in location tracking system.
We need to make sure we have a similar clause.
07-17-2013, 03:25 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: B-777
Posts: 455
Originally Posted by Fr8doggie
Fedex'rs and others take notice...
We need to make sure we have a similar clause.
We need to make sure we have a similar clause.
07-17-2013, 05:33 AM
#8
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Joined APC: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,931
Originally Posted by Sideshow Bob
Fellow IPA Members:
7. EFK training will be conducted in accordance with the contract with 2.5 hours of home study credit for initial device training.
7. EFK training will be conducted in accordance with the contract with 2.5 hours of home study credit for initial device training.
But we have 3G and LTE so the company can more easily track us. At least we have that going for us.
07-17-2013, 06:59 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: B767 FO
Posts: 421
Originally Posted by MEMbrain
Once again the IPA is out in front of our pathetic ALPA.
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