FlightPrep ChartBook-S

The ChartBook-S hardware is based on a tablet PC running Microsoft Windows 7. It has an Intel Atom 1.66 GHz processor, 2 GB random access memory and either a 64 or 128 GB solid-state hard disk (which works at any altitude and makes the unit shock-resistant). It's powered by a four-cell Li-Ion battery, which can operate the unit for more than four hours on a full charge. An optional DC adaptor lets you run off the aircraft electrical system and save the battery for emergencies.

The unit's 10.1-inch touch-sensitive display is excellent, offering both high brightness and contrast---I had no trouble reading it, even in direct sunlight, though glare can be a problem. A FlightPrep representative told me they plan to offer a protective screen overlay with a matte finish to cut down on glare. FlightPrep supplies the ChartBook-S with a wireless GPS module that can be placed on the glare shield. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that will operate for more than six hours on a charge or, like the computer, can be powered by an optional DC adapter.

The ChartBook-S comes preloaded with FlightPrep's ChartCase Professional software and a flexible license allowing you to install that software on up to two additional computers. It has two operating modes. The preflight mode has a conventional Windows menu bar and offers full flight planning and filing (including a sophisticated plain-language router function that lets you combine automatic routing at selected altitudes on victor airways with specific fixes), and full DUATS weather briefing and filing functions, with both a configurable vector chart and a raster-scanned version of FAA paper charts. I found this mode to be frustrating on the ChartBook-S, due to the small size of menu items and the need to pop up an on-screen keyboard when typing in navigational fixes. An optional wireless keyboard helped, or you could do preflight planning on another computer.

The ChartBook-S touch screen works much better in ChartCase's in-flight mode (selected from a toolbar icon) that does away with the Windows menu bar, instead operating from large on-screen buttons that are easily selected with a fingertip. By default, the in-flight mode splits the display between an editable route list and a GPS moving map, but a press of the "Charts" button switches to a full-screen view of any of the available chart formats (sectional, WAC, TAC, and low- or high-altitude en route) with the aircraft position superimposed over it. Another button press takes you to instrument procedures, which are cleverly selected using an on-screen display (pan to the area around your destination and zoom in to limit the number of airports; the list of procedures will match the airports on the display). Most instrument procedures and airport diagrams are geo-referenced, so you'll actually "see" the airplane flying down an ILS localizer. There's even a "highway in the sky" (HITS) function that provides a display similar to the synthetic vision feature of the latest glass panels, showing terrain ahead of the aircraft and a "tunnel" illustrating the flight plan. Add an optional WxWorx satellite weather receiver and/or a Zaon XRX traffic receiver, and the default moving-map display can show weather and traffic, much like a glass-panel multifunction display.

The ChartBook-S is not TSO'd, and thus can't be used on Part 135 or Part 121 revenue flights. It can legally replace paper charts on Part 91 general aviation flights, but can't be used as a primary navigation source for IFR operations. According to FAA advisory circular 91-78, Class 1 commercial off-the-shelf EFBs like the ChartBook-S are supposed to be stowed during critical phases of flight (including takeoff, approach and landing). FlightPrep offers several mounting options, including a Velcro strap for the pilot's leg and a yoke mount. Using either of those turns the ChartBook-S into a Class-2 device that can be legally used during any phase of flight.

I tested the ChartBook-S during a 1.5-hour IFR flight from my home base in Modesto, Calif., to Bakersfield, Calif., 160 miles to the southeast. I used the yoke mount, and found that the unit worked best in a vertical orientation. With some fiddling, I was able to come up with a position that didn't obscure my flight instruments. Having the aircraft position clearly indicated on the airport diagram was nice, and would be genuinely useful at an unfamiliar airport. After departure, I switched between en route IFR and sectional views, and found the unit quite effective as a functional replacement for my IFR and VFR chart atlases. The ability to quickly switch to a sectional chart display was extremely helpful when weather forced me to change destinations and ATC cleared me for a visual approach under a low cloud deck in marginal visibility.

As the sun went down on my return flight, which began at dusk several days later, I found the ChartBook-S display far too bright. Turning down the backlight as far as it would go helped, but not enough. Ultimately, I turned the unit off and switched to paper charts for the remainder of the flight. This problem isn't unique to the ChartBook-S. Every off-the-shelf computer we've tried in the cockpit has the same problem. ChartCase has a trip kit function that lets you print the charts you expect to use; I could have used that for my return trip with the ChartBook stowed. I also experienced one anomaly: ChartCase distorted its low-altitude en route chart display in the vicinity of Lemoore Naval Air Station (about halfway between Modesto and Bakersfield). I reported this to FlightPrep, and they told me they would get the problem fixed. Aside from that, my overall experience was quite good.

FlightPrep doesn't provide a full printed manual, though they do have a comprehensive online help system and a quick reference guide. A printed version of the online help is available for $29.95.

Pricing for the ChartBook-S starts at $1,295 for the 64 GB model. Built-in vector data is free, but the raster charts require a subscription, which runs $124 to $299 per year depending on whether you want VFR charts, IFR charts or both. A wide range of accessories are available at additional cost. For more information, visit www.flightprep.com.