Electronic Device Use OK in Flight, But Implementation Not Immediate
The Federal Aviation Administration gave its long-awaited go-ahead Thursday for travelers to use iPads, Kindles and other non-connected portable electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of commercial flights and not just above 10,000 feet. But implementation won’t be instant and is at the discretion of individual airlines. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., urged caution. CEA, CTIA and other industry groups called for a change in U.S. policy last year in filings at the FAA (CED Nov 2/12 p6). A PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee filed a report at the FAA recommending the change.
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"Having access to e-mail or a movie is not worth compromising the safety of any flight,” said Rockefeller, chairman of the Commerce Committee. “While today’s ruling is an added convenience for consumers, we must keep in mind that safety is always our foremost concern when making improvements to the passenger experience on flights.” Rockefeller said he’s “confident the FAA will conduct exhaustive oversight of the entire process, and I expect the airlines to conduct thorough assessments on their fleets before they let passengers use electronic devices."
"We believe today’s decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (http://1.usa.gov/1duqf7J). “These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future."
But the FAA’s guidance is explicit that each airline must first certify with the FAA that passengers can safely use electronic devices in flight. “The ball is in airlines’ court,” the Telecommunications Industry Association said via email. “CEA understands that the speed of implementation may vary among airlines, joins the FAA and the aviation community in continued support of cabin safety, and stands ready to support and partner with other stakeholders as we move forward,” said CEA President Gary Shapiro. He hailed the FAA “for implementing a comprehensive process and soliciting input from a broad array of stakeholders to develop these safety-based guidelines.” Its decision “will bring policy on in-flight use of devices up to speed with the 21st century,” Shapiro said in a statement.
"Today’s announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration represents real progress,” said FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn said, “Over the past year, the FCC has taken a number of specific actions to improve the ability of consumers to use their Wi-Fi-enabled devices aboard aircraft, and we are continuing to examine how best to promote consumers’ and businesses’ ability to use wireless devices both aboard aircraft and elsewhere."
"I am glad the FAA continues to review the potential interference issue and have made new recommendations that will benefit consumers use of wireless devices,” said Steve Berry, president of the Competitive Carriers Association. “Technology is always changing and they may find other ways to allow enhanced consumer use of wireless technology in air transportation.” CTIA also supported the decision. “Consumers are increasingly reliant on their mobile devices to work, read, game and listen to music, and permitting these uses at take-off and landing can be accomplished without threat of interference to airplane communications or public safety,” said CTIA Vice President Jot Carpenter.
Last year the FCC adopted rules to make it easier for Internet services to be deployed on planes. In-flight broadband service and entertainment providers offer such services through satellite connectivity. It’s unclear whether there will be a significant impact on the satellite in-flight broadband market, said an attorney, referring to the FAA’s restrictions on the new change. “Allowing electronic devices to be used gate-to-gate, even in a non-connected mode below 10,000 feet, however, may encourage more people to bring such devices on-board, which should increase demand for in-flight connectivity,” said Fletcher Heald attorney Frank Jazzo, who represents satellite service providers.
Global Eagle Entertainment, owner of Row 44, said the change is a “tremendous complement to our strategy of having our service continuously operable, including on the ground.” The longer window of available usage “will increase the benefit of the service to passengers, and gives our partners the opportunity to present a richer entertainment offering,” said John Guidon, Global Eagle chief technology officer.