U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) has sent a letter to the head of the Federal Aviation Administration saying the flying public is "growing increasingly skeptical" of prohibitions on the use of electronic devices like tablets and computers during the beginning and end of flights.

The senator notes the "absurdity of the current situation" since the FAA has recently approved the use of iPads to replace paper flight manuals. She promises that she is "prepared to pursue legislative solutions" if the FAA is too slow to act.
As you surely know, the public is growing increasingly skeptical of prohibitions on the use of many electronic devices during the full duration of a flight, while at the same time using such devices in increasing numbers. For example, a traveler can read a paper copy of a newspaper throughout a flight, but is prohibited from reading the same newspaper for major portions of the flight when reading it on an e-reader. The fear of devices that operate on electricity is dated, at best. Importantly, such anachronistic policies undermine the public's confidence in the FAA, thereby increasing the likelihood that rules of real consequence will be given too little respect. The absurdity of the current situation was highlighted when the FAA acted earlier this year to allow tablet computers to replace paper flight manuals in the cockpit, further enhancing the public's skepticism about the current regulations.

While safety and security must be the top priority in air travel, the FAA and other federal agencies should also work to ensure air travel is as hassle free as possible by revising or removing regulations that have become unnecessary or outdated. It is my hope that the FAA will work, with the FCC and other federal agencies where appropriate, as expeditiously as possible to implement common sense changes to today's restrictive regulations on in-flight use of PEDs that better reflect new technologies and the changing role these devices play in Americans' daily lives. While the agency can and should use existing authorities to allow for the broader use of PEDs, I am prepared to pursue legislative solutions should progress be made too slowly.
Earlier this year, the FAA said it was taking a "fresh look" at the use of digital devices during takeoff and landing, though no changes in policy have been announced.


So funny... Our tax dollars at work.

 

Sounds like somebody wasn't happy they had to turn off their toys.

 

Probably not a bad thing. I can't count the amount of times I've accidentally left my phone on.

 

It's not about your phone. It's about 147 phones.

Electronic devices in general are put away to keep the aisle clear and prevent FA's from having to check if something is in "Airplane Mode" (Just having them completely off is easier to manage and administer) while the A/C is in a critical phase of flight. There are both FAA and FCC prohibitions on cell phones because they OBVIOUSLY DO interfere with radio communications, including radio-based navaids. The FCC prohibition is more related to overloaded networks. Talk to an engineer. Or set your phone next to a radio.

20 minutes with all your crap put away isn't much to ask.

 

I agree a tablet is no different than a book let them read. I have never seen any interference from electronic devices. Why can a cell phone be turned back on taxing to the gate after landing? I think the policy is inconsistent.

 

My understanding was that it may be a distraction and impede an evacuation if needed. The name reason trays and seats are upright.

 

Any know if the story about the FM Radio reciever interfering with ILS signals on an old 737, causing a coupld missed approaches, is true?

I did see a Myth Busters show about cell ph. interferance, where they bombared a mocked up cokpit with raido signals, trying to interfere with the signal receptions.

 

I also saw a mythbusters episode where they showed how a person with zero experience could land a plane. Of course he was coached on how to find and operate the radio, and "atc" just happened to have an expert on that airplane in the building.

 

Dude, everyone knows all you have to do is find the "FLY" button, and push it!

I'm sure Apple is working on an 'App for That'.

When Clair gets her way, the Pax will be able to leave their iPhones on, and everyone can push the FLY button!

 

This!


Bottom line: Don't our Senators have something better to do that make a big flap about this sort of legislation? Fiscal cliff? War in Afghanistan? Etc?