Pocket knives are not the only items that may be enjoying a little more freedom on planes soon. A working group commissioned by the FAA is now reviewing the ban on the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing and a relaxing of these rules could happen as early as late 2013.
While the policy prohibiting cell phone usage is not being reconsidered, tablets, laptops and similar gadgets may soon have more flexibility to be actively used during all stages of flight.
The current policy prohibits the use of all electronics when airplanes are below 10,000 feet.
Rumor has it that the FAA is being pressured to either allow reading devices on planes or provide sound scientific evidence as to how these devices adversely affect flight electronics. This stance has been exacerbated by a type of double standard since the agency now allows iPads as flight manuals in the cockpit and some flight attendants have been provided with tablets to access information on flight procedures.
Many electronic devices are equipped with an “airplane mode” which allows a device to operate while suspending its signal transmitting functions, but that term and mode is not universal for all devices, so the group is working to develop a standard to apply across the board. Additionally, they are trying to account for the capabilities future devices may have and that will take time as well. The group plans to announce its findings this summer.
We will keep you advised of further developments in this story. In the meantime, call Teltek IT if you’d like more information on how to incorporate portable devices into your workplace or if your office is in need of IT support.
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