RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the use of the iPad by pilots as an alternative to traditional paper maps. The approval is only for one charter jet company, but it could have implications for other airlines. Pilots often manage 40 or 50 pounds of paper maps and charts, but all that paper can now be replaced by a new app. It was developed by aviation chartmaker Jeppesen. Jeff Buhl is with the company.
JEFF BUHL: The speed and the clarity and the ease of use of the application that we've built really make a big difference for the pilot.
MONTAGNE: At least one commercial airline, Alaska Airlines, is testing the iPad for use in the cockpit. A main worry, of course, is what happens if there are technical glitches at 30,000 feet? Jeff Buhl of the aviation chartmaker says not to worry.
BUHL: They have two pilots with two iPads. Then if one iPad crashes for some reason, then they have a backup.
STEVE INSKEEP, Host:
That's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.
MONTAGNE: And I'm Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.