FAA Allows Airlines to Expand Passenger Use of Personal Electronics
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had determined that airlines can expand passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight. Depending on each airline’s decision as to when and how to apply the new allowance, passengers may be able to read e-books, play games and watch videos from gate-to-gate with very limited exceptions. If the air carrier provides Wi-Fi, passengers will be able to use that service. Passengers will still not be able to use cell phones for voice communications and will have to put their cell phones in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled.
The FAA made this determination after obtaining input from a group of experts which included representatives from airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry. The PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee determined that most commercial airplanes can operate with radio interference signals from PEDs.
In order to facilitate this change, the FAA is providing airlines with implementation guidance. As there are differences among the fleets and operations of the airlines, implementation will vary. Airlines will have to assess the risk of PED-induced avionics problems. They will also need to evaluate changes to stowage rules and passenger announcements. Additionally, airlines will be required to revise manuals, checklists for crewmember training materials, carry-on baggage programs, and passenger briefings. The FAA expects that by the end of the year many airlines will be able to complete a safety assessment and prove that their planes allow for passengers to safely use PEDs in airplane mode from gate-to-gate.
The FAA Notice can be found here.
