FAA Issues Rule on Personal PEDs in the Cockpit

[Palmpilot]

http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=76028

The FAA today issued a final rule (PDF) that reinforces that airline pilots cannot use PEDs for personal use in all operations. The rule codifies existing FAA policies and procedures and meets an FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandate by prohibiting all commercial airline (passenger and cargo) flight crews from using personal wireless communications devices or laptop computers for personal reasons during all aircraft operations. The agency's 1981 "sterile cockpit" rule already forbids pilots to engage in distracting behavior during critical phases of flight, including take-off and landing, and we have previously asked carriers to address the distraction issue through their crew training programs. The rule reflects current flight deck operating procedures and imposes minimal cost to the airlines. This rule follows a January 15, 2013 proposal and takes effect in 60 days.
I don't see a date on the above notice, but the Federal Register page is dated February 12th.

 

[Jim Logajan]

Interesting question is whether they can still play Angry Birds on a tablet computer with Wifi turned off. Possible line of reasoning, starting with the rule:

"... a personal wireless communications device (as defined in 49 U.S.C. 44732(d)) or laptop computer ..."

This is 49 U.S.C. 44732(d)d) Personal Wireless Communications Device Defined.— In this section, the term “personal wireless communications device” means a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332 (c)(7)(C)(i))) are transmitted.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/44732

Which leads toC) Definitions For purposes of this paragraph—
(i) the term “personal wireless services” means commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services;
(ii) the term “personal wireless service facilities” means facilities for the provision of personal wireless services; and
(iii) the term “unlicensed wireless service” means the offering of telecommunications services using duly authorized devices which do not require individual licenses, but does not mean the provision of direct-to-home satellite services (as defined in section 303 (v) of this title).
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/332#c_7_C_i

Wifi is covered by "unlicensed wireless services" but an iPad with WiFi turned off is neither a laptop computer or using such services.