jkhuggins

From NetworkWorld:

FriendlySkies

Seems that if a pilot can use an iPad on take-off & landing, then a pax should also be allowed to.

studentff

Hmm. FAA wants to do a study and solicits public comments.

In contrast, TSA decides to virtually strip search and irradiate innocent passengers, does not solicit public comments, and permanently ignores a court order to solicit public comments.

Yet more evidence that TSA should be disbanded and airport security oversight should be returned to FAA where it belongs.

GoAmtrak

The analogy doesn't hold. Cockpit iPads have FAA-approved brackets to keep them from becoming projectiles. Plus, it's good for pax to have situational awareness at those critical phases. For that same reason, I also wish all airlines had a shades-up policy for take-off and landing.

JObeth66

It'd be awesome if I could read my Kindle during takeoff and landing in the US, like I can when I travel in Europe.

JObeth66

But I'm not required to stow my 1.5# hardback book during takeoff & landing, how is an iPad any more "dangerous"?

And we're not told we can't use our devices during takeoff & landing out of a fear that they might become projectiles, but rather because the electronics can interfere with flight systems.

Loren Pechtel

Yeah. These days my Kindle is lighter than any book I bring along.

Pesky Monkey

An iPad weighs less than a hardback book or a child in lap, and takes up less attention. This argument has been weak for many years.

GoAmtrak

Well, I wouldn't want to get smacked by any of the above. Out of an abundance of caution, I personally stow all reading material for take-off and landing and would not mind one bit if that was a rule, too. I know that's an unpopular position, but I don't like the idea of objects that are distracting and/or physically loose in the cabin during those times. We're talking a minute or so total here.

jkhuggins

Plus the five minutes it takes for the flight attendants to inspect the cabin to make sure everyone stowed everything away when the pilot asked.

Plus the extra five minutes imposed when the pilot initiates the request to put everything away a little early, just "out of an abundance of caution", so that everything is done well ahead of time.

Plus the extra 10-15 minutes imposed when, at the last moment, the aircraft is placed into a holding pattern, or switches runways, or whatever.

Don't get me wrong; if there's really a safety issue here (and I'm undecided as to whether there is or not), I don't mind being asked to put my book away. But let's be clear: we're not talking about "a minute", but many minutes.

Always Flyin

The current regulations prohibit use of electronic devices during critical phases of flight unless the carrier has demonstrated they are safe. That seems a bit more prudent than allowing all devices until they are proven dangerous.

Virtually all electronic devices emit some amount of EMI (electromagnetic interference). Wireless receivers and particularly wireless transmitters emit far more when that function is in use.

Since airlines know what devices they are placing in the cockpit, they can run tests to demonstrate to the FAA that the devices do not affect safe aircraft operation. That test only applies to that type of device.

The pilot can ensure the wireless transmit and receive function is turned off when in the cockpit, or the airline can make that setting the default.

Most passengers aren't so conscientious.

OldGoat

I don't believe that FA announcements to turn off electrical devices garner anywhere near 100% compliance. Therefore, I'll assert that cell phones, tablets, and other devices commonly fly today in the "on" position. (If anyone has proof to the contrary, please provide it).

Because those devices fly in the "on" position (transmitting) every day and no calamity has occurred, the FAA should reconsider their rules.

Darkumbra

Yep... I'm all for safety that makes sense. I hate being given a lie for a reason to put my kindle away. I have from time to time, forgotten to switch off my phone in my carry-on bag - still here to talk about it. No kindle or phone has EVER resulted in an incident.

I have a HEAVY book that I carry with me from time to time. If it became a projectile? It would blast through the safety door and hit the pilot on the head killing her instantly. Never been asked to put it away.

mahohmei

I've always had a theory that the real reason for the "off during takeoff and landing" rule is so that, if an emergency requires quick action (like evacuation), the FAs won't have to compete with your electronic device for attention. Of course, they'd rather not say it this way.

WillCAD

I agree with that.

I have long been of the opinion that the rule against electronics is superstitious nonsense, but I've also believed that it's a prudent idea to secure all loose items during take off and approach to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of a sudden, unexpected direction change. And yes, I believe that includes lap babies, the very concept of which I find outrageously risky on a plane.