Does Your EFB Backup Plan Pass the Test?

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4 min read

How to keep flying when your iPad quits

You’re cruising along at 6,500 feet, glancing down at your iPad to review the weather ahead. Then, suddenly—it goes dark. Maybe it overheated, maybe the battery died, or maybe the app just froze. Whatever the cause, your trusty iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) is now an expensive paperweight.

Now what?

Your trusty iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) is now an expensive paperweight.

It’s a scenario every modern pilot should plan for, yet many don’t—assuming the iPad will “just work.” But like any critical piece of flight gear, your EFB should be backed up with a plan that keeps you flying safely when things go sideways. Let’s take a look at what a solid EFB backup strategy looks like, and how to test it before you actually need it.

Common Failure Points

First, it’s important to understand the weak spots. Here are the most common ways EFBs let pilots down:

Battery failure – You forgot to charge it, your charging cable fails mid-flight, or you forgot your cables.
Overheating – Sunlight beating can send your iPad into thermal shutdown in minutes.
Software issues – App crashes, slow performance, or overlooked data downloads.
Connectivity loss – You lose GPS signal or ADS-B weather when you need it most.
Human error – Maybe you accidentally left the iPad in your car, or didn’t download the right charts before takeoff.

Any one of these can leave you without access to critical information. So what’s the plan?

The Rule of Two: Power, Device, Charts

A good backup plan starts with a simple rule: two of everything.

Two Power Sources—Power failures are the easiest to avoid. Make sure you have:

A high-capacity battery pack (10,000 mAh or more)—consider this 10,000mAh option which is about the size of an iPhone, but backs some serious power.
Charging cables (and a spare in your flight bag)—consider the smart charging pack which comes with a battery, cables and a case.
A panel USB power port or at least a reliable cigarette lighter adapter. Bonus tip: plug in before your iPad hits 20%—some older batteries can’t charge fast enough to keep up under load. Consider the Flight Gear Dual USB Quick Charger.

The Small Flight Gear Backup Battery is about the size of an iPhone.

Two Devices—Your iPhone can be a surprisingly capable backup EFB:

Load the same app (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, etc.)
Download charts and data ahead of time
Learn how to navigate the app’s compact layout
Some pilots also fly with a second iPad, especially for IFR or cross-country flying.

Two Sets of Charts—Paper may be old-school, but it still works.

Keep a folded sectional or terminal area chart in your kneeboard
Store key approach charts or airport diagrams in ForeFlight Documents or Apple Books
If nothing else, snap photos of key procedures on your phone before you take off

Put It to the Test

The best way to build confidence in your backup plan is to practice with it. Try one of these low-stakes “failures”:

Fly local using only your phone for navigation
Turn off your iPad mid-flight and pull out your paper chart
Ask your CFI (or safety pilot) to simulate an EFB failure during a training flight
Fly an approach using panel avionics and your backup chart—no iPad allowed

It’s a great way to uncover weak spots and boost your real-world situational awareness.

Flying with your backup device will ensure you’re ready.

Pro Tips to Avoid Trouble in the First Place

Turn off auto-lock in your iPad settings so it doesn’t sleep mid-flight
Lower screen brightness and close background apps to save battery and reduce heat
Secure your iPad in a mount with good airflow—so you’re not trapping heat
Use a screen protector that reflects heat and reduces glare (like the Scooch Heat Block)

Your iPad is an incredible tool, but it’s still just that—a tool. Like any avionics system, it’s only as good as your backup when it fails. With a little forethought and a few smart habits, you’ll be ready to keep flying confidently even if your EFB calls it quits.

Because when the screen goes black, your training and your planning take over.