Portable Electronic Devices

Background

The proliferation of the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) aboard aircraft in recent years (CD players, laptop computers, video games, cellular telephones, etc.) has prompted concern among aviation professionals about the effects such devices could have on the electronic systems aboard aircraft. Pilots have filed hundreds of reports alleging electro-magnetic interference (EMI) caused by PEDs, and flight attendants have had numerous confrontations with passengers about which PEDs can and cannot be used when on airline flights. Pilot reports often state that interference with navigation and communication systems disappeared when members of the flight crew asked passengers to turn off electronic devices they were using in the cabin. However, due to the mercurial nature of EMI, no one has established a repeatable link between PEDs and problems with cockpit instruments. The case against the use of PEDs aboard aircraft has been based more on anecdotes rather than scientific analyses.

ATA Petition

The RTCA began an investigation of PEDs in 1983 that culminated in a report in 1988. It concluded that signal emitters such as cellular phones, remote control toys, and citizen band radios could cause interference and should be banned from aircraft. The RTCA found no compelling evidence of interference from PEDs that do not emit a signal, but nonetheless recommended they be banned from use during takeoffs and landings to assure an added margin of safety during those critical phases of flight.

In January of 1992, the Air Transport Association (ATA) petitioned the FAA to adopt the RTCA's recommendations as a federal regulation. Current regulations (ie, FAR 91.21) prohibit the use of electronic devices that interfere with aircraft systems, but leave it up to airline operators to identify PEDs that cause problems, and to police their use. FAA rejected ATA's petition, in part because it had commissioned the RTCA to resume its investigation of PEDs. In 1996, the RTCA completed its second study on the use of portable electronic devices and made the following recommendations:

1. The FAA should prohibit the use of any PED during any critical phase of flight. Additionally, any PED which has the capability to intentionally transmit electromagnetic energy should be prohibited in aircraft at all times, unless testing has been conducted to ascertain its safe use.

2. PED testing efforts of existing and new devices (such as satellite communications and two-way pagers) should be continued by the FAA, the airline industry and related manufacturers to further understand their potential to interfere with aircraft systems.

3. A public awareness campaign should be initiated by the FAA, the airline industry and related manufacturers to educate the public about PEDS and their potential interference hazards, especially those designed as intentional radiators or transmitters.

4. Government and industry should pursue research into the design and feasibility of detection devices to locate emissions that produce interference within the aircraft cabin.

New Developments

The recent popularity of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), (e.g., Palm Pilots, Blackberries), and laptop computers equipped for wireless network communications, and possible relaxation of FCC regulations on ultrawide-band have caused FAA, upon the request of the industry and others, to re-open the RTCA studies of ways to safely manage these emerging technologies. The industry likely would support the use of cellphones and PDAs for internet networking, but their use for voice conversation would present significant social challenges.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) for passengers with disabilities, recently proposed for carriage onboard airliners, also may qualify as PEDs. Efforts are underway with POC manufacturers to help ensure these devices do not interfere with the safe operation of the airplane.

Airline Policies

In lieu of specific federal regulations for PEDs, the major airlines have adopted their own policies. Essentially, they follow the RTCA's recommendations. The use, in flight, of intentional signal transmitters is banned entirely. Devices that do not emit a signal are banned during landings and takeoffs, but are allowed during flight above 10,000 feet altitude.

Last updated: 9/9/2009