FAA Examines Mobile Device Usage on Planes
The FAA is examining the impact that mobile devices have on plane frequency, along with a pilot's attention to his or her job.
Changes could be coming for mobile device usage on planes, in more ways than one.
The Federal Aviation Administration wants to make flying a little safer by suggesting a ban on wireless devices in cockpits of planes. By banning mobile devices, such as iPads or Kindles, the FAA wants to remove distractions from pilots flying the plane.
The current regulation allows the devices, as long as the plane is more than 10,000 feet about the ground. However, a 19-page proposal suggests that personal devices should no longer be used by those in the cockpit for the duration of the flight but may still be permitted for professional use.
In addition to this proposal, an FAA-formed industry group is looking into the effect that portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, have on flight safety.
The group will examine whether widespread device usage will cause any interference on planes or whether regulations could be relaxed. The group will present its findings on the subject within six months.