US aviation advisers propose broader in-flight use of electronic devices

Aircraft passengers in the US would be allowed broader use of mobile devices, laptops and tablets during flights under a proposal air safety regulators are due to begin considering next week.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will receive advice in the next few days about allowing greater use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) on aircraft from an advisory committee drawn from government and the aviation and consumer electronics industries, according to industry sources.

The new rules are likely to increase use of in-flight internet services and may affect standards for electronic device manufacturers.

The rules also could make it easier for airlines to allow passengers to plug their own electronics into in-flight entertainment systems, saving the weight of providing screens for everyone.

FAA rules demand devices be switched off below 3,000 metres and ban mobile-phone calls at any altitude because of the risk they could interfere with aircraft radios and other systems. Passengers often are allowed to make calls after a plane has landed, even while it is on an active taxi-way.

Recognising that many travellers want to use smartphones, tablets, laptops and e-readers during take-off and landing, the FAA last year set up the advisory group and took public comments on what could be done without compromising safety.