Input Sought on In-Flight Use of Electronics

WASHINGTON (CN) - The Federal Aviation Administration seeks input on passenger use of portable electronic devices during flight.

It specifically seeks input on current policy, guidance, and procedures that aircraft operators use when determining if passenger use of portable electronic devices may be allowed.

Current FAA regulations prohibit the use of passenger electronic devices during flight, except for portable voice recorders, hearing aids, heart pacemakers, and electric shavers.

FAA regulations also allow use of any other device that the aircraft operator has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication systems on the aircraft.

The FAA also requests comments about technical challenges in addressing the problems associated with determining if and when portable devices may be used.

The FAA says it hopes to collect sufficient information to allow operators to better assess whether more widespread use of portable electronic devices during flight is appropriate, while maintaining the highest levels of safety to passengers and aircraft.

The FAA stresses that the existing regulations allow the operator to authorize the use of portable electronic devices, and that no specific FAA approval is required. The aircraft operator is responsible for assuring that the interference from the devices does not pose a flight risk.

The Federal Communications Commission will be working with the FAA, airlines, and the manufacturers to explore broader use of portable electronic devices in flight.

The deadline for written comments is Oct. 30.

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