F.A.A. is Taking a Fresh Look at Use of Electronic Devices During Flight

The F.A.A. is taking a fresh look at the use of personal electronic devices on aircraft, according to a New York Times report.

The Federal Aviation Administration says that although airlines can request use of electronic devices "once the airline demonstrated the devices would not interfere with aircraft avionics", the administration itself will look into the use of personal electronics on flights.

Unfortunately, the F.A.A. doesn't want to look at smartphones just yet but will likely concentrate on e-readers and tablets.


Laura J. Brown, deputy assistant administrator for public affairs says, "With the advent of new and evolving electronic technology, and because the airlines have not conducted the testing necessary to approve the use of new devices, the FAA is taking a fresh look at the use of personal electronic devices, other than cellphones, on aircraft."

Airlines haven't tested these devices themselves because the current guidelines require that an airline must test each version of a single device on a separate flight with no passengers before it can be approved by the F.A.A. It must also be tested on each model of aircraft in an airline's fleet. This process would be very expensive and time consuming for the airlines and as such it remains a hassle to use personal electronics during flight.

The F.A.A. says its trying to find a way to bring together "manufacturers, consumer electronic associations, aircraft and avionics manufacturers, airlines, pilots, flight attendants and passengers" to figure out how to allow greater use of electronics on airplanes.

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