Avionics News December 2013 - 17

of PEDs. Each airline will determine how and when to allow
passengers broader use of PEDs.
The FAA did not consider changing the regulations regarding the use of cellphones for voice communications during
flight because the issue is under the jurisdiction of the FCC.
The ARC recommended the FAA consult with the FCC to
review its current rules. Cellphones differ from most PEDs in
that they are designed to send out signals strong enough to be
received at great distances.
Here is a list of top things passengers should know about
expanded use of PEDs on airplanes.
1.
2.

4.
5.

8.
9.

Make safety your first priority.
Changes to PED policies will not happen immediately
and will vary by airline. Check with your airline to see
if and when you can use your PED.
Current PED policies remain in effect until an airline
completes a safety assessment, gets FAA approval and
changes its PED policy.
Cellphones may not be used for voice communications.
Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the
cellular connection disabled. You may use the Wi-Fi
connection on your device if the plane has an installed
Wi-Fi system and the airline allows its use. You can
also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories
like wireless keyboards.
Properly stow heavier devices under seats or in the
overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items
could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure
you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an
accident.
During the safety briefing, put down electronic devices,
books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember's
instructions.
It only takes a few minutes to secure items according to
the crew's instructions during takeoff and landing.
In some instances of low visibility - about 1 percent

CANADA

News & Regulatory Updates
Transport Canada Issues Guidance
Material to Cover Radius to Fix Path
Terminator Procedures
Transport Canada Civil Aviation issued Advisory
Circular AC 700-027 to provide information regarding

of flights - some landing systems may not be proved
PED tolerant, so you may be asked to turn off your
device.
10. Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn
off your device if asked.
Current FAA regulations require an aircraft operator to
determine that radio frequency interference from PEDs is
not a flight safety risk before the operator authorizes them
for use during certain phases of flight. Even PEDs that do
not intentionally transmit signals can emit unintentional
radio energy. This energy may affect aircraft safety because
the signals can occur at the same frequencies used by the
plane's highly sensitive communications, navigation, flight
control and electronic equipment. An airline must show it
can prevent potential interference that could pose a safety
hazard. The PED ARC report helps the FAA to guide airlines through determining that they can safely allow widespread use of PEDs.
The PED ARC began work in January, at the request of
Huerta, to determine if it is safe to allow more widespread
use of electronic devices in today's aircraft. The group also
reviewed the public's comments in response to an August
2012 FAA notice on current policy, guidance and procedures
that aircraft operators use when determining if passengers
can use PEDs. The group did not consider the use of electronic devices for voice communications. A fact sheet on the
report is now available.
The FAA is immediately giving airlines a clear path to
safely expand PED use by passengers, and the administrator
will evaluate the rest of the ARC's longer-term recommendations and respond at a later date.
A PED is any piece of lightweight, electrically-powered
equipment. These devices are typically consumer electronic
devices capable of communications, data processing and/
or utility. Examples range from handheld, lightweight electronic devices, such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones,
to small devices like MP3 players and electronic toys.

the approval of radius to fix terminator procedures
under Ops Spec 623. This will allow air operators and
private operators to conduct RF segments for terminal
and approach procedures to which they are authorized.
This does not apply to RNP AR APCH procedures,
as conducting RF in this mode is more restrictive.
It is covered in Ops Spec 621. However, if previous
approval to Ops Spec 621 is held, authorization for
Ops Spec 623 may be issued without further assessContinued on following page
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Avionics News December 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News December 2013