Airplane passengers are not the only ones fed up with restrictions on the use of portable electronic devices during take-off and landing. Julius Genachowski, chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, has written a letter urging the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to change its rules. The FAA is reviewing its long-held policy against the use of electronics during take-off and landing, and Genachowski said he supports that process.
"This review comes at a time of tremendous innovation, as mobile devices are increasingly interwoven with our daily lives," Genachowski wrote, according to The New York Times. "They empower people to stay informed and connect with friends and family, and they enable both large and small businesses to be more productive and efficient, helping drive economic growth, and boost US competitiveness."
The FAA previously studied the potential for electromagnetic interference caused by portable electronics in 2006. Although the study did not find any evidence of grave danger during take-off and landing, the agency erred on the side of caution, saying it also could not find enough evidence to change its long-standing policy. It is worth noting, though, that American Airlines pilots are allowed to use iPads instead of printed flight manuals.
Under the current rules, airlines can allow specific electronic devices to be used at all times, but only if the airline can prove there’s no danger. To do so, airlines must send each device into the air, with no passengers on board. It’s an expensive process even for one device, let alone the hundreds of tablets, laptops, and e-readers that hit the market every year.
In August, the FAA announced that it was reviewing its policies for all portable electronics except cell phones. The plan is to form a working group with government and industry parties, and eventually set new rules on the use of approved electronics during all phases of flight.
IDG News Service
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