FAA May Allow Tablet/E-Reader Use During Takeoff by 2014

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making some changes in their rules in regards to the use of readers and tablets during takeoffs and landing, however there is no mention of the use of cellphones.

Once the decision has been made, the FAA may declare the changes by the end of this year. That will include devices such as Kindle e-readers, iPads and other tablet devices, but even Google Glass. The group that was put together by the FAA had employees from companies such as Consumer Electronics Association, FCC, Amazon and even Boeing, followed by aircraft companies and the Association of Flight Attendants.

The evaluation to test if these devices really affected the plane’s inflight systems started in January. The group should be presenting the facts by July 31st, 2013.

Just to note, there is no proof if these electronics affect aeroplanes, especially during takeoff and landing, but the rule kept by FAA allowed the flight attendants to make the decision on which devices can be used and which cannot. It is also believed that the rules that FAA imposes on passengers without proper evaluation may have caused unnecessary panic and even injuries as an 68-year old man punched a 15 year old kid because he refused to turn off his smartphone during the flight, saying that he did it to save the plane.

It was only sometime back when the FCC insisted that FAA should allow these devices to be used during the flight as they allow people to be connected with friends and family and even for business uses, therefore helping to boost America’s economy growth.

Source: DailyTech