Originally Posted by
Elevation
We need better guidance on this issue in the industry. Many of us have experience with someone who wanted to use their phone during a critical phase of flight. Maybe we are better off becoming more permissive in some regimes so we can become much more restrictive in others? I'm suggesting we formally define what most of us take for common sense on these issues. FWIW I like the idea of music stations and letting people read in cruise between TOC and TOD. Others may have a different take on things.
Guidance varies from operation to operation. But whether those directives come from the PIC, SOP, HBAT, AC or reg revision, to be effective, best to be consistent. Non-essential verbal com enroute is permitted, interesting, informative, fun, annoying, aggravating etc. Allowed to get out of hand, contributing factor for plowing into a top. At the controls crew playing interactive audio games, watching movies doesn’t fit safety culture doctrine. How much a risk it poses, you tell me? Of course, I'm a PBY, nose in a magazine guy.
Good post as usual.