Federal Aviation Administration introduced the Sterile Cockpit Rule. What is the Sterile Cockpit Rule?

It means that during take-off and landing - before the aircraft passes 10,000 feet on ascent and after it has passed 10,000 feet on the approach - pilots must focus entirely on “their essential operational activities” and “avoid non-essential conversations”.

“Sterile flight deck procedures are meant to increase the flight crew members’ attention to their essential operational activities when their focused alert is needed,” reads the code, which applies to all aviation authorities in the EU, including the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The rule, which all airlines are required to enforce, forbids “any duties during a critical phase of flight except those duties required for the safe operation of the aircraft”, citing as example, calls for galley supplies, confirming passenger connections, or airline promotions over the tannoy.

It also bans flight crew members or pilots from “eating meals, engaging in nonessential conversations… and nonessentials communications between the cabin and cockpit crews, and reading publications not related to the proper conduct of the flight”. It states this rule applies below 10,000 feet, and during taxi, take-off and landing.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/tr...hy-definition/