newfangled condign: FAA to officially allow use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing

Thursday, October 31, 2013

FAA to officially allow use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing

The Federal Aviation Administration has changed their regulations regarding the use of electronics during takeoff and landing. The rule change will allow airlines to determine whether a flight will permit the use of electronic devices during all stages of the flight. Activities such as reading ebooks or watching video will be allowed, though there will be some restrictions on how devices are handled, according to an FAA press release

Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing roll. Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled – i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones. If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.

Airlines hoping to implement these changes will need to prove to the FAA that their planes meet certain standards for protecting aircraft from electronic interference. Additionally, connecting to the internet is still prohibited under 10,000 feet. Additionally, the rule changes will not be implemented immediately, and their adoption will vary by airline as each company completes their safety inspections, and the current policies will remain in effect for now.

How do you feel about this rule change? Let us know below in the comments.

Source: The Federal Aviation Administration