At present, Indian carriers ask passengers to switch off their electronic equipment during take off and landing while mobiles have to be either switched off or kept in no network mode. Since it is humanely impossible for crew to check if phones' network setting is off or not, switching on mobiles even in aircraft mode is frowned at.
The US FAA also had similar restrictions in place for 50 years but had last week allowed use of electronic devices (barring mobile phones) during all phases of flight, except when the commander wants them switched off for reason like low visibility or poor weather. US airlines are likely to switch over to the new system from early next year.
"Most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference from portable electronic devices. It is safe to read downloaded materials like e-books and calendars, and also to play games," foreign agencies had quoted FAA administrator Michael Huerta as telling reporters last week.
The exemption, however, is not unlimited in the US. "In about 1% flights, passengers may be asked to turn off their devices when there is low visibility due to poor weather. Some landing systems may not be proven to tolerate the interference," Huerta was quoted as saying.
Top aviation sources say the DGCA is studying this order of the FAA for American airlines. "The FAA has left it to airlines to decide. We will see whether it can be done in India too. A detailed study will be needed," said sources.
India has a track record of being conservative when it comes to aviation safety. Only a few years back, did the government allow passengers to use cameras inflight and photography is still prohibited while landing and taking off at defence airports. Also, passengers were allowed to switch off their phones after landing when the aircraft got off active runways only a couple of years back. Before that, they were asked to keep phones off till the plane came to a complete halt.
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