Smartphones And Other Electronic Devices To Be Allowed On-Board Aircraft

The use of personal electronic devices (PED) such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players during flights is expected to change, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recently announced.

According to an announcement, EASA will publish by the end of November 2013 guidance that will extend to all phases of flight the possibility to use electronic apparatus as long as the devices are in “Flight Mode” or “Airplane Mode.”

Current EASA guidance allows the use of PED on aircraft, except during taxiing (movement of an aircraft on the ground), take-off and landing. The new move does not include laptops as their size makes them potentially dangerous if turbulence occurs during take-off and landing.

The changes above will be applicable to aircraft operated by European airlines.

“This is a major step in the process of expanding the freedom to use personal electronic devices on-board aircraft without compromise in safety,” EASA’s executive director, Patrick Ky, said.

In the long term, the agency is looking at new ways to certify the use of mobile phones on-board aircraft to make phone calls.