FAA reviewing use of PEDs during flights

For those who travel frequently by air, you will be familiar with the safety protocol during flights which involves the turning off of electronic devices during the takeoff and landing of the plane. This supposedly will help reduce interference with the plane’s equipment, but with the increase in popularity of electronic gadgets these days, i.e. smartphones, tablets, e-readers, portable gaming consoles, etc, it looks like the FAA is taking another look at the limits on PEDs (personal electronic devices) on flights.

“As with any regulation, safety is always our top priority, and no changes will be made until we are certain they will not impact safety and security,” the FAA statement said. “For some time, the FAA’s rules have permitted an airline to allow passenger use of PEDs (Personal Electronic Devices) if the airline demonstrates the devices will not interfere with aircraft avionics.

“The FAA is exploring ways to bring together all of the keystakeholders involved, but, ultimately, testing is the responsibility of each airline. We recognize that this is an area of consumer interest, and our goal is to bring together these key stakeholders to help facilitate a discussion as we have in the past.”

Unfortunately this appears to be more of an exploration of their options rather than a definitive move that will allow more use of PEDs during flights. In any case it’s good to know that the FAA is taking a look into this and perhaps we will soon see the day when we are allowed to use our phones during flights even on planes/flights that don’t offer WiFi or GSM services.