Quote:
Originally Posted by rickair7777
The discussion mentions e-readers but the discussion is not regulatory and appears to contradict or muddle the regulatory language.
Yeah, you're probably right. The first 24 pages of the docket were probably a big waste of time. We don't really need to know anything about the background, intent, or meaning of the single-sentence change to a single sub-paragraph of the whole set of Federal Aviation Regulations. It's not regulatory, and neither is the AIM.
Good luck with that argument when your friendly FAA Inspector takes issue with your use of an e-reader during cruise to break the boredom.
But I'm very interested to see which parts of the wasted 24 pages you believe to "contradict" or "muddle" the actual regulatory language.
(from your first post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickair7777
It sounds like the intent is to ban communication devices using cell service systems.
Did you glean the intent from the regulatory language, or did you glean it from the wasted 24 pages of the docket which preceded the actual regulatory language, or did you fashion the intent from thin air?
Here's the intent I read in the docket. In fact, it's on the first page, in the first paragraph:
"This rule ... is intended to ensure that certain non-essential activities do not contribute to the challenge of task management on the flight deck or a loss of situational awareness due to attention to non-essential tasks."
That doesn't even mention electronics or wireless, much less "cell service systems." Maybe that's what you wish it would say, but there's simply nothing to support such a wish.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickair7777
E-readers have wifi that can be used to load new e-books, I'm not sure if they fall under the FCC definition.
This wifi thing you talk about ... does that use a wire to connect the device to something else, or does it communicate wirelessly? I mean, if it uses a wire, I could see how you would think it might not fall under the FCC definition of wireless device.
But if it's wireless ... eh, that's a tougher sell ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickair7777
The actual language references an FCC definition which seems to describe devices which use mobile data services, ie cell networks.
Yeah, about that definition. With a few mouse clicks and average Google-foo, you can actually read that definition. Or, you can save some clicks and read here: (
49 U.S. Code § 44732 - Prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on flight deck (It's subparagraph (d)))
Oh, what the hay, I'll save you all the clicks and just post it here:
(d)
Personal Wireless Communications Device Defined.— In this section, the term “personal wireless communications device” means a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (
47 U.S.C.
332(c)(7)(C)(i))) are transmitted.
And, then you can see you need to figure out what "personal wireless services" means. Again, you can click on the hyperlink, or you can read it here:
(C)
Definitions
For purposes of this paragraph—
(i)the term “personal wireless services” means commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services;
Or ... better still, you could read the paragraph from the docket, from among the useless, worthless 24 pages, entitled "
Prohibited devices":
"As stated in the NPRM, Section 307 of the Act defines 'personal wireless communications device' as a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in Section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934) are transmitted. The Communications Act of 1934 states that personal wireless services means commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access service."
Wow, ain't that handy!?!? BOTH references incorporated in the text of the docket! Oh, and if you still find that confusing, the next paragraph goes on to explain it further:
"In general, wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. In the final rule, the FAA retains the same broad category of included devices because a list of specific devices would ignore the reality of evolving technology. This broad category includes, but is not limited to, devices such as cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants, tablets, e-readers, some (but not all) gaming systems, iPods and MP3 players, as well as netbooks and notebook computers."
Oh, wait, I already quoted that last sentence before. I guess that pretty much wraps it up then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickair7777
E-readers which don't use cell phone connectivity would not fall into the category. I think.
I think you should reconsider.
.