Comments on: Want to use your iPad during takeoff? Tell the FAA

By: John Selden

John Selden — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:48:15 +0000

What is the point of requiring people to turn off devices when there is no enforcement? As often as not, the people next to me on planes are checking text messages on their cell phones throughout the flight. I used to ask them to turn them off, but now I don’t even bother because it so obviously happens all the time and so obviously makes no difference.

By: vitaprimo

vitaprimo — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:29:40 +0000

The first time I was asked to delete a picture I took walking to the plane, I just though the whole electronics rule was in case the pilots and crew screwed up so it wouldn’t exist any proof. Then again I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside the plane of us nor even out of the window.

By: vitaprimo

vitaprimo — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:22:04 +0000

Speaking on behalf of the passengers, these rules about interference are stupid and of it was any they must redesign the systems as, the passenger’s comfort should comes first. Airplanes are uncomfortable and a little annoying as it is.

Now on the other hand, a sizeable electronic such as a laptop or iPad, nevermind if it’s on or off, becomes a very fast moving and accelerating/decelerating object, that’s why you wear a seatbelt, to minimize damage in case of a sudden stop.

Electronics should be allowed to be left on but not out during take off and landing. Maybe something small like an iPod touch, but when speed is involved, an object a tad heavier, like an iPhone, left unmanned in one’s lap or somewhere else becomes a flying hazard.

By: Stacey Higginbotham

Stacey Higginbotham — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:44:19 +0000

Bob, it looks like the filing has to be entered into the Federal Register first, before folks will be able to find the document referenced in (and uploaded to) the story. So you may have to hold off on comments until that happens. I’ll try to find out when that might be and update the story.

By: Jack Crawford

Jack Crawford — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:09:16 +0000

I sure wouldn’t want the guy next to me carrying on an extended conversation in a loud voice, either on a phone or to the person next to him. But if there is no safety problem, then we all should have the right to use devices that allow us to read books or play games.

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:59:45 +0000

It’s always seemed more than a little strange to me that we’re requested to turn off our electronics gear but verification of compliance is pretty loose. By now the FAA should know whether passenger use of electronic on board aircraft involves a significant safety risk. If it does not, then passengers should be allowed to use their electronics at any time. If it does, then all passengers should be closely monitored throughout the flight to be sure their electronics are turned off. The way it’s being done implies that the FAA really isn’t sure whether there’s a risk or not, and that’s no way to deal with public safety.

By: Luscious

Luscious — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:53:54 +0000

The argument seems rather simple IMO. If pilots can use iPads for flight-critical navigation charts, there’s no reason passenger electronics should be banned. If the concern is interference with aircraft electronics, planes would already be crippled on the ground.

By: Sarah Campbell

Sarah Campbell — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:34:19 +0000

Thank god I can use my electric shaver during takeoff.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:47:08 +0000

Regulations.gov does not have the information available. I tried a myriad of different search terms without any luck.