2.0 Regulatory Requirement

The Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 602.08(1) prohibits the use of a portable electronic device on board an aircraft where the device may impair the functioning of the aircraft systems or equipment.

The onus for determining if passenger-operated electronic devices will cause interference is placed on the operator of the aircraft because there are no airworthiness standards for the manufacture of passenger-operated devices, no maintenance standards and no performance standards in relation to their use on an aircraft. It is therefore the responsibility of the operator of the aircraft and/or the pilot to determine if these devices cause interference.

CAR 602.08(2) prohibits a person from using a portable electronic device on board an aircraft except with the permission of the operator of the aircraft.

CAR 703.38, 704.33, and 705.40 require air operators to establish procedures for the use of portable electronic devices on board aircraft that meet the Commercial Air Services Standards (CASS) and are specified in the air operator’s company operations manual