iPad Makes Paperless Cockpits for American Air

Pilots for American Airlines began testing new U.S.-approved iPad tablets on Thursday. The tablet is part of an effort to make commercial airline cockpits paperless.American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, Texas, said Thursday that the use of the Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) device would reduce enough weight from equipment that it would cut airline’s fuel bill by about $1.2 million per year.Pilot flight bags weigh on average 35 pounds, and contain navigational charts and important flight information. The iPad will be used instead of these, cutting down on paper costs as well as weight.The tablets are being tested on two flights; Los Angeles for Tokyo and Shanghai. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the iPad tablet for all phases of flight. This will mark the first time a device will be used during takeoff and landing.

o