When I first started flying airplanes we used paper charts and books for maps and airport information. Every couple months we bought updates and most of us subscribed so they were sent in the mail as soon as they were published. Soon afterward, electronic versions of this became available and eventually the FAA revised their rules to accept these electronic versions. We now call this an “Electronic Flight Bag” or EFB.<\/p>\n
Since then, I have used Android tablets and software for my EFB. I fly with a kneeboard for ease of checklists and writing (paper & pencil) and use a tablet that fits into my kneeboard. In the early days big tablets were too thick and heavy so I used a 7″ tablet. That’s pretty small for reading charts and procedures. Over time tablets got thinner and lighter and now I use a 10.5″ tablet. This measures as 9.5″ tall and 6.5″ wide; Android tablets are less square than iPads, which is a good thing since they fit better into kneeboards.<\/p>\n
An EFB device doesn’t need a fast processor or fancy graphics or the latest version of software. The most important factors are:<\/p>\n
Years ago I built a Stratux<\/a>, which is a Raspberry Pi that provides ADS-B “In” and precise GPS. It broadcasts this data over a local WiFi in my airplane. It does not have or need internet access. The ADS-B “In” includes traffic (airplanes in the sky near me), weather, and NEXRAD imagery all updated in near-real-time.<\/p>\n Because of the Stratux, my EFB device only needs WiFi. It doesn’t need its own GPS, Bluetooth, or Mobile data, though it’s nice to have built-in GPS in case the Stratux fails. It’s also nice to have an ambient light sensor so the screen can automatically adjust to flying at night.<\/p>\n For several years I’ve been using an old cheap Lenovo 8505F. It’s been abandoned by the manufacturer and stuck on Android 10 for a long time. The battery health is deteriorating. And it’s so slow it’s frustrating to use as newer software gets more bloated expecting ever faster devices.<\/p>\n I decided to get a tablet that is officially supported by LineageOS<\/a>, since then I won’t be stuck with planned obsolescence on an ancient version of Android. This led me to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E<\/a>. I found one on eBay for $100 in really nice condition, like new.<\/p>\n After booting up the new tablet and ensuring all its functions worked, I followed the procedure to install LineageOS. It typically goes like this:<\/p>\n Step 1 used to require hacking, but in recent years more manufacturers provide an official way to unlock the device.<\/p>\n Steps 2 through 5 are done using Google Android Tools ADB<\/a> (free and open source) or manufacturer-specific tools like Samsung’s Odin<\/a>. The steps can be tedious: one small mistake can cause the installation to fail or even brick the device.<\/p>\n LineageOS is the open source version of Android. It has a simple clean interface and no bloat-ware from manufacturers or carriers. Devices usually have better performance and longer battery life when running LineageOS, compared to their OEM software. And LineageOS offers support as long as developers care to maintain it – no planned obsolescence. For example, this Galaxy Tab S5E came out in 2019 on Android 9. Now in 2025, mine runs LineageOS 22 which is Android 15.<\/p>\n The biggest issue with LineageOS is device support. If you want to run it, you need to visit the site and check what devices (whether phones or tablets) are supported. Tablet support is more limited than phones: only the Google Pixel and various Samsung Galaxy models. Even so, Samsung made some of the best Android tablets and they work even better on LineageOS.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Introduction When I first started flying airplanes we used paper charts and books for maps and airport information. Every couple months we bought updates and most of us subscribed so they were sent in the mail as soon as they were published. Soon afterward, electronic versions of this became available and eventually the FAA revised … Continue reading LineageOS on Tablets (and Airplanes)<\/span> EFB Tablets<\/h3>\n
LineageOS<\/h3>\n
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