Jeppesen’s decision to retire all printed navigation charts in October 2026 marks a major industry shift that directly affects Part 135 operators. For decades, paper Jepps required no authorization, no technology, and no special oversight from the FAA. With the transition to digital-only charting, that simplicity is gone. Any operator using an EFB or tablet for primary navigation materials must now hold A061 authorization, and this requirement affects manuals, training, operational procedures, and compliance programs.
Once paper charts disappear, the FAA will expect operators to have a fully developed digital charting program supported by consistent documentation and approved through OpSpec A061. Preparing early is the key to avoiding disruptions as the industry moves toward a digital-only cockpit environment.
The shift from paper to digital charts changes the regulatory category of the navigation source. Paper charts were inherently compliant; digital charts fall under the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) framework, which introduces considerations such as hardware reliability, software approval, data currency, power availability, and redundancy. Because of these factors, operators who rely on iPads or similar devices for enroute, terminal, or approach charts must have A061 authorization in place.
A061 ensures the operator has defined how EFB hardware will be used, which software applications are approved, what backup procedures exist, how batteries will be managed, and how revision control will be tracked. Without this authorization, operators cannot legally transition to digital Jepps for operational use, and inspectors will expect supporting documentation once printed charts are no longer available.
Some operators may choose a different path when Jeppesen retires its printed charts: transitioning to FAA government (NACO) paper charts instead of adopting digital Jepps. FAA/NACO paper charts will continue to be available and, unlike digital charting applications, do not require A061 authorization. For operators who prefer to maintain a traditional paper-based workflow, this option allows operations to continue without developing an EFB program. Regardless of the charting source, operators must ensure charts remain current, accessible, and aligned with the procedures outlined in their approved manuals.
A successful A061 submission demonstrates that the operator has built a complete and risk-managed EFB program. This includes an EFB Program Manual or EFB chapter that outlines hardware standards such as the selected iPad model, storage capacity, and configuration. The FAA also expects to see detailed software procedures, including how digital charts are updated, how data currency is verified, and how alternate navigation methods will be used if an EFB becomes unavailable.
Training plays a major role in the approval process. Operators must show that pilots are trained on digital workflows, that charging and battery protocols are standardized, and that crews understand how to manage connectivity limitations or offline conditions. Revision control, data tracking, and MEL considerations also factor into the FAA’s review. Each part of the system must show that digital charting can be used safely and consistently in line with the operator’s broader procedures.
With paper charts retiring, tablets become the primary source of navigation information. Operators must ensure that their cockpit workflow, crew training, and operational procedures reflect this change. Pilots need to know how to verify data currency before each flight, how to manage files when connectivity is limited, and how to maintain readiness when multiple apps or data sets are involved.
The move to digital charting also requires clear expectations around redundancy and backup strategies. EFBs must remain available throughout the entire flight, and crews must be prepared for battery management, unexpected power loss, or device malfunctions. Structured training helps crews transition smoothly and reduces the chance of cockpit errors during the early phases of implementation.
Here are the core areas operators typically plan for:
Digital operations offer meaningful advantages in the way of reduced cockpit clutter, improved efficiency, and quicker access to updated information, and these benefits rely on intentional planning and consistent execution.
Although October 2026 may seem far away, A061 authorization is not immediate. Inspectors often require several weeks or months to review documentation, request clarifications, and assess the operator’s manuals. Preparing documentation, configuring devices, and training crews all require additional time. Operators who start early are positioned to transition smoothly when paper charts are no longer available.
Operators typically need to complete several steps during the transition:
Waiting until the deadline approaches can leave operators non-compliant and unable to conduct chart-dependent operations. Early preparation ensures continuity and minimizes operational risk.
Sky Safety Solutions helps operators build complete EFB programs that meet FAA expectations for digital cockpit operations and Part 135 compliance. This includes creating EFB Program Manuals, aligning operational documents with digital-only chart procedures, revising workflows to meet A061 manual requirements, and preparing the full submission package for FAA review. The goal is to ensure that operators transition confidently, with documentation that clearly supports digital use in the cockpit.
Our team also provides guidance on hardware selection and software standardization, and we assist operators in navigating FAA questions throughout the review process. By aligning procedures, training, and documentation, operators can move into digital operations efficiently and without delays.
The retirement of Jeppesen paper charts marks a turning point for the industry. Preparing your A061 authorization early ensures your operation is ready for a digital-only environment and avoids compliance challenges when charts go fully paperless.
Sky Safety Solutions can help you develop a complete EFB program, prepare your manuals, and build a submission package that aligns with FAA standards. Contact us to begin your transition to approved digital EFB/iPad operations.