Bluetooth
 

I have a pair of AC flights coming up on which I absolutely have to get some work done. After trying I pad cases with the built in key boards, I went for the apple keyboard, better keys, lighter, and free standing. Now, can I use it on a flight with the I pad. I remember reading somewhere airlines are not keen on Bluetooth devices.

I would think that the FAs would not be paying that much attention to you and your devices unless you gave them some reason to do so.

Depends... I've had an flight attendant get ansy about a usb drive on my tablet. [Its funny how talbet automatically gets labeled ipad..ugh] The light was flashing because I was watching a video from it. She was convinced that I was receiving some kind of signal.

Bluetooth
 

I believe all wireless devices are a no go on board. I recently had an Air Canada flight attendant rather thoroughly inspecting my portable CD-Rom drive until I could convince her that it only uses two USB cables attached to my Netbook to run.

Anything that transmits / recieves has to be off. The only exception is the use of WiFi connected to a FAA / FCC certified system marketed by GoGo. They spent a lot of money testing and getting system approved.

http://youtu.be/cTpDjIC5KXg?t=2m14s
Air Canada Safety Video

I used my wireless mouse without issue on about 20 or 30 flights, and suddenly on the last two I was told that it was dangerous and to put it away ?!?!?!

The rule is in place, not obeying and not being called on it does not mean you are exempt.

This issue has been actively discussed (and still is) between TCCA, the FAA & EASA for several years - it is not going to change anytime soon. The amount of work & time needed to change & harmonize the laws between all the major regulatory authorities is just deemed not to be worth it at the moment. It took close to two years just to work on Chapter 18 for ICAO and it will take longer for the regulators to make laws based on Chapter 18.

The major thing that really rubs me wrong about all of this are the (at times) blatant lies told by the airlines about the dangers posed. Believe me, if anyone really thought that a cell phone, bluetooh device or ir device would bring down an aircraft, they wouldn't be permitted in the passenger cabin.

There are two main reasons for the prohibition

1. The devices have not been certified for use in an aircraft environment - the regs on that are very specific.

2. Safety - the cabin crew has to be sure they'll have your attention from push back until 10k ft altitude and the last 30-15 minutes of flight until touchdown and the aircraft is off the active runway.


BTW, (slightly O/T) I know many of you on here (I see it daily) feel you get away with not following the rules/laws most of the time you fly, take it for the dessert topping it is. However, when a FA reminds (asks) you to follow the rule(s), just do it without any sort of protest (I see this way too often), you never know when you'll have a FA who feels like following the letter of the law and having you walked of the aircraft in handcuffs - I have seen this happen once at LAX.

No one can make any argument for not following crew member instructions, and doing so could result in that person having a very bad day...... :(

Same here. I asked the first time I used it and told it was OK. I was seen by many FAs using it and then about a month ago told to turn it off and put it away.

All very true I'm sure. But it is interesting how the amount of work & time needed to change & harmonize the laws between all the major regulatory authorities for a profit-making service such as GoGo was magically justifiable and evidently quite wrokable as well. (And let's not forget that prior to GoGo there was Connexion from Boeing ...)

No harmonization required for GoGo
 

GoGo is US only, so only FAA approval is needed. GoGo uses only a few part numbers, so certification is fairly simple and straight forward. GoGo is also configured so wifi devices use the lowest power emitting settings. Same principle for Connexion. Boeing et al spent a bucket load of money to have the parts certified by the FAA, EASA & others and look where it is now. :rolleyes:

So it's no wonder none of the major authorities are in any rush to go through the motions to have all consumer wireless devices certified. It'll cost too much in terms of resources (people more than money), and the device makers are not going to want to spend the money needed to certify the devices.

Also think of the burden the cabin crew will have to go through to figure out what is permitted for use and what isn't. Their jobs are hard enough as it is, they don't need some DYKWIA douche mouthing off to them because s/he can't use a wireless mouse or some other device.