Federal Aviation Administration initiates research into the use of electronic devices in airplanes

The growing criticism over the restriction on the usage of cellphones and other mobile devices like tablets during airplane takeoffs and landings has forced authorities to revise the procedure.

Federal Aviation Administration has authorized a research group to gather data on whether it is compulsory to turn off cellphones and tablets during flights. The research group is comprised of members from the government and industry alike.

It is clear now that FAA now has doubts in the standard procedure of switching off electronic equipment for the safety of the communications and control circuitry aboard the airplanes. However, nothing can be said with certainty without substantial and persuading data. However, the FAA is of the opinion that modern aircrafts are probably immune the procedure because of the advanced technology used.

“We’re looking for information to help air carriers and operators decide if they can allow more widespread use of electronic devices in today’s aircraft,” acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. “We also want solid safety data to make sure tomorrow’s aircraft designs are protected from interference.”

There have been a number of incidences in the past when passengers have refused to comply with the aircraft crews to switch of their electronic gadgets. This has always caused an unfriendly environment in the planes.

The recent Alec Baldwin incident on one of American Airlines’ flight generated a lot of press. The Hollywood superstar was asked to turn off his tablet which he failed to comply. He was then forced to leave the airplane. The fiasco might have been one of the reasons behind the recent step taken by FAA.

Most of the travellers have been brewing the notion that the procedure is utterly meaningless. New York Times blogger Nick Bilton wrote in one of his blogs that if there was a real danger to the planes, the companies “wouldn’t allow passengers to board a plane with an iPad or Kindle, for fear that they would be used by terrorists.”

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Posted by Usman Khalid on Aug 28 2012. Filed under Business, Sci-Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.