The government-industry group will examine a
variety of issues, including the testing methods
aircraft operators use to determine which new
technologies passengers can safely use aboard
aircraft and when they can use them. The group
will also look at the establishment of
technological standards associated with the use
of PEDs during any phase of flight. The group
will then present its recommendations to the
FAA. The group will not consider the airborne
use of cell phones for voice communications
during flight.
"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," said Acting FAA Administrator
Michael Huerta. "We also want solid safety data
to make sure tomorrow's aircraft designs are
protected from interference."
The government-industry group, established
through an Aviation Rulemaking Committee, will
be formally established this fall and will meet
for six months. It will include representatives
from the mobile technology and aviation
manufacturing industries, pilot and flight
attendant groups, airlines, and passenger
associations.
As the first step in gathering information for
the working group, the FAA is seeking public
input on the agency's current PED policies,
guidance and procedures for operators. The
Request for Comments, which will appear in the
Federal Register on August 28th, is part of a
data-driven agency initiative to review the
methods and criteria operators use to permit
PEDs during flights.
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