Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
23 % of the respondents think that there is a need to unify and centralize the
whole system. 14 % of them reported an insufficient frequency of updates, 5 % of
them mentioned the lack of correct data format or reliance on the manufacturer and
3 % of the pilots mentioned poor availability of the actual foreign countries charts.
A large number of “none, or no answer” responses is likely due to the fact that
pilots often rely on technical staff (on contract with the manufacturer) for updates to
the system. 33 % of the negative answers point to an inefficient system of updates
and call for centralization, unification, and streamlining. Part of this process might
involve a closer inspection of the relationship between pilots and those people
responsible for making updates.
The truth is that while the updating process is very complex pilots do not see the
time, energy, and other resources that are involved. In many cases the cartographer
is not able to meet their requirements, further diminishing the importance of the
updating step, in their opinion. It is not always easy to procure maps of many
foreign countries. Thus, the process is prolonged. In addition, some less developed
countries do not have geographic services at a level to be able to provide the maps
of the required quality.
The update process of the paper and digital charts in aircraft includes an order
from the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army that a number of paper charts
must be held in stock for each military base. Also for each crew, there is an exact
amount of background paperwork for navigation preparation and each pilot must
always have a current paper chart of the area where he flies. On the other hand, there
is no regulation dealing with the updating process of the digital charts, the manu-
facturer updates some devices. But these are commercial products. For the fulfill-
ment of combat and special missions of Air Force, digital charts issued by the
military geography office are needed. Currently, from the perspective of the
geographers, their involvement is instigated by individual requests from pilots
and engineers.
Mobile EFB Devices
31 % of pilots reported dissatisfaction with the digital maps in the CZAF aircraft.
Additionally, the Czech Air Force still has a number of aircraft without such
equipment in its fleet. Equipping the aircraft with the mobile EFBs could be a
partial solution. These devices could also perform other functions.
56 % of the respondents have some personal experience with an EFB or similar
portable device, 38 % of them don
t and 6 % do not answer.
77 % of the respondents would appreciate such device onboard their aircraft.
16 % of them have no interest in such tool and 8 % do not answer.
Reported benefits were the following—better UI; faster and easier to update;
possible function as an “electronic kneeboard”; good tool for the IFR flights under
the civil air traffic control; flight training facilitation; simple plan changes during
the flight. Possible problems reported were—a difficult placement in the cockpit;
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