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FAA reconsiders use of electronics on airplanes
Anyone who has tried to use an e-reader or tablet on their flight in the last several years knows about the strict rules that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) places on their operation. Taxi, takeoff and landing are periods during which most electronics are prohibited, a rule that has riled up frequent travelers and tech lovers alike. Even "Mythbusters" has an episode exploring the use of cell phones on aircraft electronics (result: busted).Given the changes to technologies and continuous pressure from consumers, that may soon change. The New York Times' Nick Bilton on the Bits blog posted an interesting article this weekend in which the FAA admitted that they're looking into revising their policy. The current policy in place, which puts the onus of testing on the airlines, is too expensive and time consuming for the industry to support. As a result, the agency is looking into methods to "bring together electronics 'manufacturers, consumer electronic associations, aircraft and avionics manufacturers, airlines, pilots, flight attendants and passengers' to figure out how to allow greater use of these electronics on planes."
There's no word on what sort of schedule the FAA has in mind or how serious they are about the initiative, but if we can believe this report, the tide may soon be turning.
[flickr image via Fly for Fun]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lutz Spika Mar 19th 2012 12:40PM
I HOPE THE FAA DOSEN'T ALLOW CELL PHONES TO BE USED ON A PLANE. IT'S BAD ENOUGH THAT PEOPLE ARE SO INCONSIDERATE IN RESTAURANT'S & OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, I DON'T NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE TALKING IN MY EAR THE WHOLE FLIGHT.(YOU KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN)
Frank Mar 19th 2012 1:19PM
I couldn't agree with you more. It will make flying ten times worse than it already is if cell phone use is permitted. Face it, the majority of the conversations will be stuff like, "Hey, guess where I'm calling from," or "You won't believe who is sitting in front of me," real important stuff like that. As for the other electronic devices, their use is prohibited while taxiing, taking off or landing. Get a grip folks, it's only a few minutes out of the flight. Are you so tech obsessed, so attached to your electronics you can't go without using them for a few minutes?
AC Mar 19th 2012 4:27PM
While I certainly understand your concern with people talking on cell phones and wouldn't like a plane full of people doing that, using possible technical interference as the reason to disallow it doesn't make sense. I've flown on private jets where we used our cell phones and other technology throughout the flight with absolutely not adverse impact. Also, remember how airlines used to tell you to cut off the "wifi" options on your laptops or mobile devices - well now they are selling inflight wifi services so that obviously wasn't a problem. Also, many may not know but people are already calling from planes. Many airlines have in-flight phones which can be used (for a hefty fee) to make a call and anyone with a brain can use Skype or similar such services to make phone calls while connected to wifi on the plane.
It all comes down to consideration but get used to it - people will be using cell phones during flight and many more electronics during take off and landing periods. There is no practical risk and it is something the airlines could offer that would be perceived as a benefit for passengers at no increased cost. Wear noise cancelling headphones if you don't want to be bothered with the phone calls!
Oh and Frank - I am so "tech obsessed" that I prefer not to turn off my kindle during take off and landings since this is no different than reading a "real" book or a newpaper!!!
Bob Hall Mar 19th 2012 2:02PM
No cell phones, please. I fly 50,000 miles a year and dread the thought of having to sit next to people yammering on their cell phones. If you need to stay in touch so bad, use Wi-Fi.
Tom Mar 19th 2012 2:18PM
Electronics cannot be dangerous, as the flight crews on some airlines use I Pads in the cockpit.
BC Mar 19th 2012 5:30PM
If cell phones are permitted, here's my prediction...more escalating anger and delayed flights the result of rude people talking incessently about meaningless dribble with someone somewhere telling them to tone it down and them saying get out of my face. We survived decades without cell phones and some common sense and decency need to come back. It's a confined space with no ability to get away from people who think everyone wants to hear themselves talk. NO CELL PHONES PLEASE!
lisa Mar 19th 2012 6:22PM
The reason this will be nice is because I hate having to shut my Kindle down just just because they are worried about electronics. I don't have the WiFi on when reading but they make me shut it down anyway because they assume everyone lies. Would be so nice to be able to read during take off and landing.
RobRob Mar 22nd 2012 12:31PM
Keep in mind, "electronics" does not mean just cell phones. Most cell phones will be useless as phones that high up as it's generally out of range of cell towers. (We'll likely still be able to make/receive calls a short time before/after being on the ground.) But to be able to plug into my music, video or game player - or keep pecking away on my tablet or laptop during taxi and takeoff will be greatly appreciated.