FAA SEEKS COMMENT ON PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES GUIDANCE
Today, the FAA a notice requesting public comment on current policy, guidance, and procedures that aircraft operators use when determining whether passenger use of portable electronic devices (PED) may be allowed during flight. After collection of comments, FAA intends to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to provide recommendations that might permit more widespread use of PEDs. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will work with FAA, airlines, and PED manufacturers to explore broader use of PEDs in flight.
Currently, aircraft operators are responsible for determining whether PEDs may be used during flight. According to FAA, the aircraft operator is best suited to decide which PEDs cause interference with navigation or communication systems on its aircraft. FAA recognizes that PEDs such as smart phones, personal computers, and wireless technology have become ingrained in passengers’ day-to-day lives. However, few aircraft operators allow use of devices during critical phases of flight, including takeoff and landing.
FAA is seeking comments on the following: aircraft operator concerns, (both technical and operational); flight attendant and pilot concerns; security concerns; manufacturers and designers of PEDs; passenger perspectives; and how FAA can support the aviation industry in considering how to allow greater use of PEDs. Therefore, FAA has identified the following specific areas for comment:
(1) Procedures and methods for operators to allow the use of PEDs.
(2) Reliability of aircraft systems.
(3) Aircraft Immunity to PED Interference.
(4) Promote aircraft-compatible PED transmissions.
(5) Passenger perspectives on use of PEDs.
(6) PED article retention risk considerations.
(7) Active monitoring for harmful interference.
(8) Technical challenges.
(9) Operational challenges.
Comments are due on or before October 30, 2012. If you have any questions regarding PEDs or would like assistance in the preparation or submission of comments, please contact our office.