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FORT WORTH, TX -- American Airlines is getting more attention over iPads, but this time it has nothing to do with Alec Baldwin.
Pilots for American Airlines will now be using iPads in the cockpit to help them do their jobs. Pilots are used to traveling with up to 50 pounds of paperwork, including flight manuals, navigation charts and other reference materials.
"It's the electronic version of the kit bag you see us dragging through the terminals every day, said Capt. David Clark.
Pilots will use the iPads to replace the paper material into just a pound-and-a-half device that is easier for pilots to carry and maybe even easier on the environment.
It's the electronic version of the kit bag you see us dragging through the terminals every day.
–Capt. David Clark
Additionally, American Airlines officials said the decrease in weight will help lower the amount of fuel needed for each flight. And pilots are confident the iPads will not fail during flight, with crew members testing the device for six months, according to Clark.
Passengers do not need to worry about distracted flying because pilots will not have access to the Internet at any time during the flight.
"They should rest assured ours are turned off as well," Clark said.
American Airlines is the first airline to receive government approval to us iPads in the cockpit, but Alaska Airlines also uses the devices in their planes.
Pilots will start using the iPads in the cockpit on Friday.
