FAA Advisory: Airplane Passengers Can Safely Use Electronic Devices

The Federal Aviation Administration announced today that airlines can safely allow passengers to use portable electronic devices during all phases of flight. The New York Times reveals that the agency will finally loosen restrictions on the use of electronic gadgets during the flight.

The current rules that airlines operate have been in place since 1966. One reason why the FAA has been reluctant to change the rules is that pilots have occasionally reported that electronic devices are interfering with cockpit instruments, but that connection has never been established conclusively.

“We believe today’s decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future.”

“I commend the dedication and excellent work of all the experts who spent the past year working together to give us a solid report so we can now move forward with a safety-based decision on when passengers can use PEDs on airplanes,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The new rules mean that airline passengers are free to use electronics like iPad, Samsung Galaxy tablets and e-readers such as those Kindles of Amazon from take off to landing, you leave your iPhone or your HTC One ON as long as it is in Airplane mode, making voice calls are still prohibited. Implementation is expected to vary from airline to airline, but the FAA is providing guidelines for all of them to avoid confusion.

Top Things Passengers Should Know about Expanded Use of PEDs on Airplanes:

1. Make safety your first priority.


2. Changes to PED policies will not happen immediately and will vary by airline. Check with your airline to see if and when you can use your PED.


3. Current PED policies remain in effect until an airline completes a safety assessment, gets FAA approval, and changes its PED policy.


4. Cell phones may not be used for voice communications.


5. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled. You may use the WiFi connection on your device if the plane has an installed WiFi system and the airline allows its use.  You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.


6. Properly stow heavier devices under seats or in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an accident.


7. During the safety briefing, put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember’s instructions.


8. It only takes a few minutes to secure items according to the crew’s instructions during takeoff and landing.


9. In some instances of low visibility – about one percent of flights – some landing systems may not be proved PED tolerant, so you may be asked to turn off your device.


10. Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn off your device if asked.

(Source: FAA)

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