Why UK pilots are switching to digital navigation — and what the CAA actually says

If you fly in the UK, you’ve likely asked the same thing everyone else has: can I ditch paper charts and rely on an iPad or tablet? The short answer is yes for most private GA flying, with caveats. Here’s a clear, UK-specific guide that explains the rules, risks, and best practice — plus the exact hardware and software setup that works in real cockpits.

What “EFB” really means (and why it matters)

An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is any kit (often a tablet) you use for flight planning, performance, navigation display, and documents. Airline and commercial ops often need formal approvals. Private GA usually doesn’t — but you’re still responsible for airworthiness, data accuracy, battery safety, and sensible contingency planning. The CAA has a dedicated EFB guidance page and a compliance checklist that clarifies when approvals apply and when they don’t. Civil Aviation Authority

Is a tablet with SkyDemon or ForeFlight “legal” in the UK?

For non-commercial GA, using an EFB for planning and situational awareness is accepted practice, provided your data is current and you have a backup that lets you continue safely if the device fails. The CAA’s Skyway Code is the practical go-to for UK private pilots and stresses being prepared, current, and legal; it’s also regularly updated. Civil Aviation Authority

If you operate in categories that fall under non-commercial complex (NCC) or specialised operations (SPO), the CAA’s EFB Compliance Checklist outlines what you must document even when formal approval isn’t required. Civil Aviation Authority

Note: You’ll see plenty of US-centric content saying “iPad replaces paper”. That’s aimed at FAA Part 91; it’s useful background but not the UK rulebook. Stick to UK CAA sources first. Federal Aviation Administration

What the CAA cares about

• Airworthiness & interference: Your portable device mustn’t introduce hazards. Mount it securely; don’t block controls or airflow. Civil Aviation Authority

• Currency & data quality: Keep charts, NOTAMs, and airspace data up to date. Out-of-date data is an own goal if anything goes wrong. Civil Aviation Authority

• Battery and PED safety: Lithium batteries must be handled correctly. Carry spares safely and know PED restrictions. Civil Aviation Authority

• Crew procedures (for bigger or commercial ops): training, documentation, and contingency procedures are expected. Civil Aviation Authority

Paper vs digital: what UK pilots actually do

• Planning: Most plan on SkyDemon or ForeFlight, then export the route and brief with current NOTAMs and weather. The Skyway Code approach is: be methodical, current, and prepared with alternates. Civil Aviation Authority

• In-flight navigation: Tablets give moving-map awareness and airspace warnings. They don’t replace certified avionics; treat them like a superb chart plus brains.

• Backups: At minimum, a second independent source (phone with offline charts, second tablet, or a paper chart for the area). If your primary dies, you shouldn’t be guessing. This aligns with the spirit of CAA guidance and common UK practice. Civil Aviation Authority

Recommended UK EFB setup that just works

Tablet

• iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular for built-in GPS) or Android tablet with reliable internal GPS.

• Rugged case and kneeboard or yoke/ram mount to keep it secure and visible. A good mount also keeps cables tidy and prevents accidental button presses.

Power

• At least one 10000–20000 mAh power bank, aviation-grade charging cable, and a short spare. Device should stay above 40–50% throughout the flight. Battery management is part of PED safety expectations. Civil Aviation Authority

Apps

• SkyDemon (ubiquitous in UK GA) or ForeFlight (excellent, with EASA/approval support docs for complex ops). Keep offline charts and plates downloaded before you leave Wi-Fi. ForeFlight

Environment

• Anti-glare screen film and a sunshade or hat brim. Overheating iPads aren’t rare; keep airflow around the device.

• Night mode ready; practise before your first night flight so you’re not fumbling with brightness.

Backup

• Secondary device with the same route cached or a current paper chart folded to the sector you’ll fly. The key is true independence from the primary. Civil Aviation Authority

What to carry in the cockpit (digital-first, not digital-only)

• Primary tablet + mount

• Power bank + cable

• Paper notes for radio calls, alternates, fuel plan

• Backup device or paper chart

• Small stylus for turbulence

• CO detector and simple kneeboard still earn their place (you’ll thank yourself in IMC-ish murk)

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Out-of-date data: Set calendar reminders; update charts and app databases before each flight. The CAA’s Aeronautical Data Quality guidance exists for a reason. Civil Aviation Authority

• Single point of failure: If you only have one tablet and one cable, you don’t have a plan.

• Mount conflicts: Test full control movement on the ground with the mount fitted. CAA EFB guidance expects you to avoid new hazards. Civil Aviation Authority

• Battery complacency: Heat, high brightness, and charging all at once can trigger thermal shutdown. Keep it cool and powered. Civil Aviation Authority

When you do need to think about approvals

If you’re moving into AOC operations or complex aircraft with formal procedures, expect documentation, training, and risk assessment. The CAA’s EFB page and checklist outline the path; ForeFlight publishes regulatory support packs that help with compliance matrices and approval paperwork. Civil Aviation Authority

FAQs UK pilots actually search for

Can I fly a PPL cross-country with just an iPad?
Yes, if your data is current and you’ve got a sensible backup. Think redundancy, not minimalism. Check the Skyway Code and fly a plan you could complete without the tablet if you had to. Civil Aviation Authority

Are EFBs “approved” by the CAA for GA?
For private GA, formal approval generally isn’t required, but you remain responsible for safe use. Commercial or complex ops have extra steps — see the CAA’s EFB pages and checklist. Civil Aviation Authority

Do I still need a paper chart?
Not mandated as “paper” specifically, but you must have access to current aeronautical information throughout the flight and a workable contingency. Many pilots carry a folded half-mil or a secondary device. The principle is current data and resilience. Civil Aviation Authority

Helpful official resources

• CAA: Electronic Flight Bags — scope, hazards, approvals, and contact routes. Civil Aviation Authority

• CAA: EFB Compliance Checklist — shows what’s required for NCC/SPO and similar ops even when formal approval isn’t needed. Civil Aviation Authority

• The Skyway Code (V4) — practical, UK-specific flight guidance for GA. Civil Aviation Authority

• CAA: Portable Electronic Devices — lithium battery and PED safety expectations. Civil Aviation Authority