FAA Expert Says Charging Cords Pose In-Flight Hazard, Calls For Ban During Takeoff & Landing
Joe Cortez April 24, 2015
Experts suggest charging personal devices could present an in-flight hazard during takeoff and landing.
Could charging a smartphone or tablet on a plane cause problems for other flyers? One engineer is asking Washington to take a closer look at the matter, specifically when it comes to charging devices during takeoff and landing. In comments shared with Runway Girl Network, Jim Davidson explained that the issue is less about electrical interference and more about the physical dangers the charging cords could pose while plugged in, especially in the event of an emergency.
According to Davidson, Designated Engineering Representative (DER) of the FAA, the charging of phones and tablets at takeoff and landing could create a tripping or tangling hazard, thereby blocking exit routes. “This very well could be the difference in no or one loss of life (or more) in an otherwise survivable emergency situation,” Davidson told Runway Girl Network.
Nearly two years ago, the FAA began allowing passengers to use their personal electronic devices during all phases of flight in the U.S., including takeoff and landing. Delta Air Lines was the first carrier to become certified and allow users to use their devices accordingly, followed shortly thereafter by its fellow legacy carriers. However, the issue of charging personal devices during flight has never been addressed, allowing passengers to utilize USB outlets from takeoff to landing.
In order to prevent problems in the event of an emergency, Davidson suggests a ban on charging devices during takeoff and landing. In a statement on its website, the FAA confirmed that charging devices during flight is not regulated. The administration gave no indication as to whether it intended to take up the issue.
Of the legacy carriers, United Airlines is the only one with a policy requiring passengers to unplug devices while the aircraft is flying below 10,000 feet.
[Photo: United Airlines]
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As FL1PM0D3 noted, American is head of the game in directing passengers not to plug in devices during taxi/takeoff and landing.
correction: in a crash, I wouldN'T have my phone in my hand
I've never picked up my phone and try to walk away while still attached and the connection be so strong that it pulls me back. the cable just pops out of my phone. ofcourse in a crash, I would have my phone in my hand, in that case, either the cable would pop out or the phone (not being anchored to anything) would just slide way. Compared to the multitude of things that would come loose and fly all over the place in a crash, a phone or phone cord is the least of my concerns. It's not like the many planes that have back seat fold down cable trays in exit rows. Often when I'm trying to get out, the person next to me accidentally drops the table down. That physically blocks my path and I can't get out without putting it back up. If that isn't a concern, I don't see why a flimsy cable that's not even anchored to anything on both ends should be a concern.
In the event of an emergency would you rather be seated next to: A. An unconscious passenger that has a phone that is charging B. An unconscious passenger that weighs 350 lbs and is wedged into his seat like a cork in a champagne bottle
The tripping issue doesn't sound ridiculous to me. It doesn't have to be a complete fall to the floor to cause a problem. Have you ever picked up your phone and tried to walk away with it while it is still attached? Sure, it eventually will pull free, but it will pull you back a bit before that happens. At a time when even the slightest delay could be fatal for someone. Remember that delay of a second for the first person off the plane will result in a much longer delay for the last person off the plane. Given that the imposition of having to wait to charge your device is minimal, it seems like a reasonable idea to me.