ARC Has Recommended Expanded Use Of Portable Electronic Devices On Aircraft

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) says it is continuing its evaluation of proposed rules that would allow increased use of certain portable electronic devices in flight, saying conclusions reached by the ARC in a draft report are premature.

In a statement posted Friday on its Facebook page, the FAA said "We recognize consumers are intensely interested in the use of personal electronics aboard aircraft. That is why we tasked a government-industry group to examine the safety issues and the feasibility of changing the current restrictions. At the group's request, we have granted a two-month extension to complete the additional work necessary for the safety assessment. We will wait for the group to finish its work before we determine next steps."

"The Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) is tasked with providing detailed recommendations on the expanded use of personal electronic devices (PED) in the aircraft cabin. As a member of the ARC, AFA is committed to ensuring that any expanded use of PEDs is based on the principle that the safety of flight will not be adversely affected." the union said in a prepared statement.

"Any conclusions reached regarding a draft report by the ARC are premature. The Committee's work is not yet completed and AFA will continue to review and comment on the draft document, which is expected to change significantly before final publication.

"AFA supports technical innovation, but our first priorities are the safety and security of flight, as they are for the FAA, other aviation stakeholders and the traveling public. The proposal to allow the use of PEDs during critical phases of flight still requires extensive review and safety testing, if recommended by the PED ARC and ultimately adopted by the FAA."

The Committee plans to offer final recommendations to the FAA in September.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.afacwa.org