FAA PROPOSES PROHIBITION ON PERSONAL USE OF PEDs ON FLIGHT DECK
In a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR 121.542 to conform to Section 307 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, enacted on February 14, 2012, to ensure that certain nonessential activities do not contribute to the challenge of task management on the flight deck or a loss of situational awareness due to attention to nonessential tasks. The proposed rule would add language to prohibit flightcrew members operating under 14 CFR part 121 from using a personal wireless communications device or a laptop computer for personal use while at their duty station on the flight deck while the aircraft is being operated.
The amended regulatory language will clarify that the prohibition on use of certain personal electronic devices (PED) does not apply to the use of a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for a purpose directly related to the operation of the aircraft, or for emergency, safety-related, or employment-related communications. 14 CFR 121.542 would be amended by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 121.542 Flight crewmember duties.
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(d) During all flight time as defined in 14 CFR 1.1, no flight crewmember may use, nor may any pilot in command permit the use of, a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at a flight crewmember duty station unless the purpose is directly related to operation of the aircraft, or for emergency, safety-related, or employment-related communications, in accordance with air carrier procedures approved by the Administrator.
Comments on the proposed rule are due on or before March 18, 2012. If you have any questions regarding current regulations and guidance or would like assistance with the preparation and submission of comments, please contact our office.