Gadgets Flying High: In-Flight Electronics Ban Changes?

The standing rule for flying with electronic devices is that all devices have to be turned off during take-off and landings of commercial plane trips. This is laid out plainly in Federal Aviation Regulation 121.306, which states “no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any U.S.-registered civil aircraft.” However, it appears things may soon be changing to allow a wider use of electronic gadgets, as studies are finding that many electronic devices have no real possibility of causing interference.

For years, people have questioned the regulations, wondering if they are too overly cautious in the matter since non-transmitting items like music players and e-book readers pose no threat as far as the interference factor. People have to understand though, that with so many various types of gadgets on the market, the flight crew cannot be expected to know the types and functions of them all in order to differentiate between which may be a risk. So therefore it is simply easier to ban all items from used during the first and last minutes of a flight. It is not really much to ask to insure safety, is it?

Cell phones transmit on radio waves that other electronics could utilize. Back in the beginning, cell phones and electronics were even required to be turned off when entering many medical facilities for the same types of reasons. That practice ceased quite a while back though, and maybe it will eventually fade from airplanes too. Shortly after the summer, the FAA opened the lines of communication and asked the public to submit their opinions on the matter. That survey time ended in early November, so the discussions seem to be in motion.

While cell phone usage will not be up for review again since the last major study that ended in 2007, other electronic gadgets are getting more closely looked at currently. It is reported, that the chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski, communicated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting that they "enable greater use of tablets, e-readers, and other portable devices." The last major study on the issue by the FAA in 2006, and the amount of new gadgets has greatly multiplied since then, as has the overall technology. While previous studies did not reveal evidence to support any possibility of interference, it also did not dismiss it totally, so the ban has remained in place.

With gadgets being so prominent a part of our lifestyles, many frequent fliers are probably hoping the ban will be lifted on a majority of the items. I honestly have to think though, even if it is not, is it really that big of a deal to have to “disconnect” yourself for the 15-20 minutes during takeoff and landing?

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net