Portable Electronic Devices on Aircraft

Transcription

1 Portable Electronic Devices on Aircraft APEX Technology Committee Meeting Timothy W. Shaver Manager, Avionics Maintenance Branch, AFS-360

2 Consumer Electronics Trends Ubiquitous Pronunciation: yü-ˈbi-kwə-təs Definition: existing or being everywhere at the same time, constantly encountered : WIDESPREAD From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary 2 2

3 Current Airplane PED Operation Policies Most airlines allow use of non-transmitting PEDs except during takeoff and landing Most airlines now allow use of mobile phones during taxi-in after landing Many airlines equip their airplanes with certified WiFi access points and allow use of WiFi devices Several airlines allow in-flight use of GSM mobile phones with on-board picocells February 24,

4 Widespread Skepticism of Existing Policies -time-to-review-f-a-a-policy-on-gadgets/ March 2011 Flight International [flightglobal.com] February 24,

5 Controlling Possible PED Interference Current FAA regulations put responsibility for PED control on aircraft operator no person may operate any portable electronic device on U.S.- registered civil aircraft [except] any portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used. [14 CFR 91.21] Federal Communications Commission regulations currently prohibit use of cell phones while airborne Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). [47 CFR ] Enforcement is very difficult Portable electronic devices may have several transmitters February 24,

6 FAA Request for Comments To better implement these regulations, the FAA issued a notice requesting comments about key areas of policy and guidance that are used by aircraft operators when making PED use determinations. It also requests comments about other technical challenges for addressing the problems associated with determining if and when PEDs can be used. Passenger safety (retention of articles of mass), flight crew procedures/controls, air rage, security, etc An Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) is being formed to review comments and develop recommendations that will help operators safely expand PED use during various phases of flight. 6

7 Comments The comments were received via or posted to the docket. Docket can be accessed at Search for FAA ed comments will soon be posted to docket when the box is closed. 850 comments have been received and are being reviewed. 7

8 PED ARC The committee will consist of members from the following stakeholder groups representing the following areas. PED Manufacturers / Trade associations Pilot and Flight Attendants Groups Airline Operators / Associations Passenger Advocacy Associations Aircraft Manufacturers / Associations Avionics Manufacturers / Associations Regulatory Authorities 8

9 PED ARC Tentative Timeline The following is the tentative timeline for the ARC activity. The ARC, the membership and the timeline must be approved by the Administrator. 8/30/ Publication of RFC in the Federal Register with 60 day comment period 9/30/2012 FAA initiates organization of ARC (determine members, issue invitations, draft Charter) 10/30/ Comment period closed. FAA reviews comments for ARC tasking Nov 2012* ARC Charter and membership lists approved and invitation sent. 01/15/2013* - ARC tentatively begins work 07/31/2013* - ARC Reports to FAA. * Estimated dates Not yet approved. 9

10 Desired outcome Understand the challenges facing SAFELY expanding the use of PEDs. Technical? social? operational? ARC to provide clear, actionable recommendations to effect the necessary changes. Identify near and far term actions. Base technical work on previous activities (RTCA DO-294 et al) whenever possible. Work within the existing regulations if possible. 10

11 QUESTIONS? Timothy W. Shaver Manager, Avionics Maintenance Branch FAA/AFS-360 (202)