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New FAA Rule Bars Personal Use of Mobile Phones and Computers in Cockpit
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a regulation that prohibits pilots from using mobile phones, tablets, or laptops for personal use while on duty. The final rule, which was released Tuesday, goes into effect in two months..... (www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
On long intercontinental flights, these guys are either going to doze or use their laptops/iPads, it will always be the captains choice on how the ship is run and the FAA knows as much so its a CYA rule.
The article says that flight crews may not use personal electronics while on DUTY, funny it didn't say while flying the aircraft. Technically you are on duty while deadheading, or on duty while on ready reserve... sure it's splitting hairs but my guess is that the article isn't all that accurate - and this small mistake is just proof of that.
It also says for personal use - so if you have an EFB or your company requires text messages for out-off-on-in times for example you can still use the device perhaps- I haven't read the NPRM or new rule yet - thats my fault, maybe I should have read it first, but the FAA is probably just CYA'ing - we've heard of flight crews falling asleep- whats worse? - Just like you said
it's all idiotic, they can pass a rule about not thinking of girls while flying - so what= life goes on.
It also says for personal use - so if you have an EFB or your company requires text messages for out-off-on-in times for example you can still use the device perhaps- I haven't read the NPRM or new rule yet - thats my fault, maybe I should have read it first, but the FAA is probably just CYA'ing - we've heard of flight crews falling asleep- whats worse? - Just like you said
it's all idiotic, they can pass a rule about not thinking of girls while flying - so what= life goes on.
I just read the entry at FederalRegister.gov. It reads: "...for personal use while at their duty station on the flight deck while the aircraft is being operated..."
Yes, this is FAA-CYA. Frankly, one is hard-pressed to find any FAA rule that is not driven almost entirely by CYA. Just as one is hard-pressed to find any new FAA rule that did not (a) emerge after an extraordinary amount of delay and resistance, and (b) emerge in a form loaded with ambiguity, imprecision and spectacular loopholes. For example, look at how poorly FAA has handled the fatigue issues for pilots and controllers; they essentially have done nothing for decades, blowing off even NTSB recommendations, thus sustaining the authority of FAA managers (for ATC) and airline managers (for pilots, mechanics, etc.) to assign work into schedules that virtually guarantee on-the-job dozing. Yes, for DECADES. Is the regulator asleep at the switch, or worse, is the regulator just providing 'cover' for the industry???
It is very interesting to see the comments on this thread from those who 'pilot' locomotives. The Metrolink commuter train crash at Chatsworth, CA on 9/12/08 is mentioned in the Federal Register announcement. Had that locomotive engineer not been texting, 25 deaths and 135 injuries (and a mess of destruction) would not have happened. Just as Korean 801 (Guam 1997) and Comair 5191 (Lexington 2006) would not have happened if the pilot's "extra set of eyes via ATC" had not been distracted and/or fatigued to the point where they did not see what they were paid to see; they failed to see what was slowly setting up then speak up to 'save' it.
Yes, it is all idiotic.
The link at FedReg...
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/02/12/2014-02991/prohibition-on-personal-use-of-electronic-devices-on-the-flight-deck
Yes, this is FAA-CYA. Frankly, one is hard-pressed to find any FAA rule that is not driven almost entirely by CYA. Just as one is hard-pressed to find any new FAA rule that did not (a) emerge after an extraordinary amount of delay and resistance, and (b) emerge in a form loaded with ambiguity, imprecision and spectacular loopholes. For example, look at how poorly FAA has handled the fatigue issues for pilots and controllers; they essentially have done nothing for decades, blowing off even NTSB recommendations, thus sustaining the authority of FAA managers (for ATC) and airline managers (for pilots, mechanics, etc.) to assign work into schedules that virtually guarantee on-the-job dozing. Yes, for DECADES. Is the regulator asleep at the switch, or worse, is the regulator just providing 'cover' for the industry???
It is very interesting to see the comments on this thread from those who 'pilot' locomotives. The Metrolink commuter train crash at Chatsworth, CA on 9/12/08 is mentioned in the Federal Register announcement. Had that locomotive engineer not been texting, 25 deaths and 135 injuries (and a mess of destruction) would not have happened. Just as Korean 801 (Guam 1997) and Comair 5191 (Lexington 2006) would not have happened if the pilot's "extra set of eyes via ATC" had not been distracted and/or fatigued to the point where they did not see what they were paid to see; they failed to see what was slowly setting up then speak up to 'save' it.
Yes, it is all idiotic.
The link at FedReg...
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/02/12/2014-02991/prohibition-on-personal-use-of-electronic-devices-on-the-flight-deck
Not sure what any of these examples on the ground have anything to do with operating a plane at cruise altitude for hours at a time. Flying on auto at high altitude doesn't have any of the grade crossings and curves of a train track, nor the busyness of the approach and takeoff segments of a flight.
We both have the potential to cause a great deal of destruction if we're distracted. You're hauling a few hundred pax around, while I'm hauling 20,000 tons of everything, including the kitchen sink. If we aren't alert and focused, then there's the potential for disaster.
Besides, if the government agencies weren't out here making new rules and regulations, then there wouldn't be a need for those government agencies. I guess it's job security, along with CYA.
Besides, if the government agencies weren't out here making new rules and regulations, then there wouldn't be a need for those government agencies. I guess it's job security, along with CYA.
While he examples and resulting regulations make sense for both trains in motion, as well as planes at or near airports, hear same examples and regulations seem completely unrelated to the reality of hours and cruise altitude without changes in speed, altitude and heading.
The real question is how much distraction does certain apps provide without loosing situational awareness. It is proven in some studies that periodic game type stimulation will improve overall alertness. I do feel that personal calls and emails, can be mentally taxing and possibly emotionally impairing. I wish that the FAA would just follow the rule making process to get the most information possible, and always do a cost benefit analysis.