A C177 Pilot penetrated NYC Class B airspace while using both a panel mounted GPS unit and a portable EFB. The lack of discriminating airspace characteristics on the portable EFB when zoomed in was the main distraction.
Synopsis
A C177 Pilot penetrated NYC Class B airspace while using both a panel mounted GPS unit and a portable EFB. The lack of discriminating airspace characteristics on the portable EFB when zoomed in was the main distraction.
Narrative
While flying VFR to CDW I was getting familiar with a new portable EFB. This unit has sectionals available with geo referenced position indicated. The power cord had become disconnected from the aux power supply and the unit went blank while approaching SBJ from the south. I got the power re-connected and re-booted the EFB. By this time I was past SBJ and heading toward CDW. I have a panel mounted 430W GPS and was using it for navigation. I had the sectional displayed on the EFB and was looking to see where the EWR Class B 3;000 FT floor began. I knew it was nearby but it was not showing on the sectional yet. I noticed an airliner pass over head but he was about 2;000 FT above me. Not too unusual. I could see MMU about 7 miles ahead and I knew that MMU was under the 3;000 FT shelf of Newark's space. I looked again on the EFB sectional for the airspace line and still could not see it. I switched to the map page on the 430W and saw that I had penetrated class B space by about 1 or 2 miles. I immediately began a 1;000 FPM descent and turned west to exit the airspace. After clearing the airspace I continued to CDW and landed without incident. After the flight I took the EFB home to determine why I could not see the Class B airspace indication on the sectional. I then saw that when zoomed in on the sectional as I did when flying; that in the area where I was located the airspace indication was superimposed on top of an airway line. Both of these indications are the same color. When I zoomed in on the sectional contrast and definition was lost enough that the airspace arc was nearly invisible. While no incident occured I realized that flying at 5;500 FT in this area could have presented a safety issue so I am submitting this report. I also realized that my dependence on the GPS units and my frequent IFR flying has made me complacent with VFR flying. Before I was IFR rated I would plan VFR flights in detail; including vertical profiles. The use of GPS has made me eliminate this step from my planning. Now that I am aware that the sectional charts do not display airspace arcs very clearly I will make sure to return to my old habits of vertical planning and establishing descent profiles while on the ground; not enroute.
NASA callback
The reporter stated that he used both a Flight Cheetah FL190 EFB and the airframe mounted Garmin 430W GPS. The portable EFB was the distraction in this event. The specific distraction was an overlaying airway line washed out the EWR Class B arc when he was zoomed in to 150%. The panel mounted GPS also displays the same information but the hand held became a distraction. The reporter stated that he flies this route several times a year and should have begun his descent earlier but became complacent. He also planned flights in much greater depth before becoming IFR qualified. Flying under ATC guidance and having a controller give specific instructions makes flying easier. Flying VFR and using several electronic NAVAIDs causes distractions.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.