Of the various issues surrounding the use of iPads on the flight deck, Apple has stepped up to confirming that iPad batteries meet the standards set forth in the FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-76B: iPad: Battery safety certifications. Good to know.

Beyond the battery question, the basis for using iPads is as simple as anything else involving the FAA. Tongue in cheek, firmly planted. VFR Part 91 flyers (except 91F & 91K) can use them freely. Conditions & stipulations multiply quickly as you move up the food chain into 121 & 135 operations. 

Admittedly tedious to read, AC 120-76B provides some pretty good insight into the many ways that EFBs can be useful, and realistically, several potential gotchas that are helpful to keep in mind as our dependency grows. Next time you're killing time in the crew lounge, give the AC a quick read-through. You probably already have company or personal guidelines to follow, but familiarity with the AC could make you a better conversationalist if the FAA knocks on your cockpit window for a friendly chat.

Oh, the joys of December! Time to put yourself on that gift list. If you've already upgraded to the new iPad mini (or expect to find one under the tree), the QRmount for the mini is now available. On the yoke with the mini (get the black one), this combination blends perfectly into the cockpit environment, like it was just meant to be there.

The new mini form factor is going to be become the personal EFB for every pilot, from ab initio sport to L-39 hotshot. For all the workin' types in between, the QRmount holder makes it absolutely second nature to twist the view from departure plate to airways chart to approach plate (and maybe some Angry Birds or Gmail in cruise).

So whether your "office" has one tail number or changes among several, put yourself at the top of your gift list for a QRmount this month!