Airline Electronics Restrictions Lifted (Mostly)

It's been how long, ten or more years where every time you get in an airliner, you're told to turn off all electronics. And where I work, it's been ten long years hearing the scientists slam that practice.

(Being in the middle of an opinion war between scientists and the real world is weird, sometimes confusing, but very insightful.)

So the FAA has finally bowed to the science of it all and airline passengers will no longer be told to shut their electronic stuff down.

The FAA is still holding on to the "no call" rule, but as it stands, as soon as the various companies start implementing the new rules, you can quit lying and hiding your electronics that you haven't been turning off all this time.

Below are two bits of... informative or entertaining news. First the FAA press release, and second, a funny video (With FOUL language) about the magic of airplanes and electronics!

-

FAA Press Release

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today announced that the FAA has determined that airlines can safely expand passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight, and is immediately providing the airlines with implementation guidance.

Due to differences among fleets and operations, the implementation will vary among airlines, but the agency expects many carriers will prove to the FAA that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by the end of the year.

The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry.

{Bruce: Experts? In that "group?"}

faa/press_releases

There's more at the link, but it ends with,

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.

- - -

Now, the funny video, with a wee bit of foul language as the scene develops, but it's fairly funny.







- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You can follow Consumer Bits on Google+, Facebook or Twitter if you're of the mind to.
Thanks!