Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for a programmable portable electronic device for airborne operational communications. In one embodiment, a system for preventing unauthorized access to operational aircraft data comprises a personal electronic device and a plurality of aircraft systems that produce avionic operational data. The system further comprises an airborne server in network communication with the personal electronic device and the plurality of aircraft systems, wherein the airborne server implements security measures to prevent unauthorized electronic devices from accessing the avionic operational data, wherein the airborne server controls the dissemination of avionic operational data to electronic devices.