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British Airways now allows electronics use during takeoff and landing
Following the wave of US airlines that changed policy after the FAA reassessed the rules, British Airways is letting passengers keep their electronic devices switched on for the entirety of their flight. According to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, there's still no text and no calls allowed, and Brits will still be ordered to put wireless devices into flight mode, although the changes (which start today) apparently don't include laptops. "The easing of restrictions will provide an average of 30 minutes additional personal screen time," according to BA's flight training manager, Captain Ian Pringle -- enough time for half an episode of The Great British Bake Off, then. And expect more airlines to follow suit: the European Aviation Safety Agency announced earlier this month that airlines are able to introduce such changes, subject to their own assessments. Update: It's actually not the first. Apparently Scandinavian Airlines started allowing tablet and smartphone during takeoff and landing when the European Aviation Safety Agency made their announcement a few weeks back. We've updated the post to reflect this. [Thanks to everyone that sent in the news that the Scandinavians got there first!]
Europe to allow gate-to-gate electronics use by the end of November
Certain air travelers in Europe will soon be free to use smartphones, tablets, e-readers and music players during all phases of flight. An announcement today from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) states that the organization will extend new guidelines by the end of this month, enabling the use of such devices during taxi, takeoff and landing as long as they're switched to "airplane mode," when applicable. Laptops must be stowed during those periods, just as they're required to be in the US. Curiously, the policy will specifically apply to European airlines -- it's not clear if carriers based overseas will be permitted to allow electronics' use while operating within Europe. The EASA also stated that it's researching methods for certifying phones for voice-call use, though we don't expect to see a ruling there for quite some time. Phone calls remain banned on US carriers, even though services like Gogo's Text & Talk utilize FAA-approved technologies.
Alaska Airlines and US Airways join list of companies allowing almost gate-to-gate gadget use
More and more airlines are adopting the FAA's new (and more relaxed) gadget policy, and the latest ones joining the fray are Alaska Airlines and US Airways. Both carriers now allow you to keep your eyes glued to phones or tablets even during takeoff or touchdown. In Alaska Airlines' case, it's even slated to debut its first plane equipped with USB and 110-volt power outlets next month to make sure travellers' devices are juiced up. Of course, mobile devices have to be used in airplane mode, but you can make in-flight phone calls via Gogo's WiFi service, if available. While you still have to stow laptops and heavier electronics during departure and landing, you can at least continue playing Candy Crush to keep your aerophobia in check.
United, American Airlines allow electronics use during takeoff and landing too
Travelers on Delta and JetBlue said goodbye to switching their mobile devices off during takeoff and landing just hours after the FAA changed its regulations, and now other airlines have joined the party. American Airlines announced a couple of days ago that the FAA had cleared its flights for the new rules, and United made a similar announcement this afternoon. While larger items like laptops will still need to be stowed at certain points in your journey, the FAA's decision means handheld personal devices like most phones, tablets, e-readers and portable games stay on. There are a few exceptions of course, and in-flight voice calls are still a no-no, but at least you can finally leave those magazines and newspapers at the gate.
Amazon discounts select Kindles in celebration of recent FAA decision
You just know Amazon's been waiting forever for this cheeky product discount. But heck, if it means not having to buy a $20 Dan Brown book before rushing to catch a flight, we'll take it. In celebration of the FAA easing its personal electronic device restrictions (not to mention Delta and JetBlue), the mega-retailer's offering a nice little discount on a trio of Kindles. Enter "ThnksFAA" during checkout and you'll get a discount on the Kindle Fire HD, HDX seven-inch and the entry-level Kindle e-reader -- sorry, no Paperwhite or Fire HDX 8.9 today, kids. Still, $59 for low-end Kindle seems like a perfectly reasonable way to celebrate the recent FAA decision.
Weekly Roundup: Nexus 5 hands-on, Dell goes private, new FAA rules on electronic devices and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Delta and JetBlue now permit personal electronics use during all stages of flight
That was fast -- mere hours after the FAA said it would allow the use of personal electronics during takeoff and landing, airlines have begun flying under the relaxed rules. Passengers on both Delta and JetBlue aircraft are now free to use their mobile gadgets at nearly every stage of flight. Other major US carriers have yet to officially embrace the lightened regulations, although American Airlines tells Bloomberg that it's already applying for clearance. For the rest, it's likely just a matter of time -- but not too much time, we hope.
Daily Roundup: Nexus 5 hands-on, new FAA rules on electronic devices, Amazon pilots and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
FAA: airline passengers may use electronic devices during all phases of flight
We all know the drill. You're on a plane before takeoff, checking your email or perhaps watching a movie on your Mac, iOS or Android device. Before you know it, the captain announces that all electronic devices need to be shut off before takeoff. You grudgingly comply. Thankfully, that drill will soon be a thing of the past. The FAA announced today that it will allow passengers to use electronic devices throughout the entirety of a flight, from takeoff to landing. The only prohibited activity will be making calls. The FAA has already begun supplying airlines with implementation guidelines and believes that most airlines will have the new rule in effect by the end of the year. In a press release announcing the change, the FAA noted that its decision was based on "input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants and the mobile technology industry." "We believe today's decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer's increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in the press release. In reaching its decision, the PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee determined that commercial airplanes, by and large, can handle radio interference from personal electronic devices. The press release does note, however, that exceptions may be made during "rare instances of low visibility." As for which airlines will be first to adopt the new rule, Delta has already submitted its plan of compliance to the FAA while JetBlue has indicated that it will begin the process soon. All in all, the FAA decision should make flying just a tad more bearable. As a final note, bear in mind that the new FAA guidelines only apply to flights at altitudes over 10,000 feet.
FAA to allow personal electronic devices during takeoff and touchdown
Sure it's not healthy, but we admit that we get a bit shaky in the time it takes to complete our final descent. We've read all of SkyMall, and it's just too hard to be away from the warming glow of our Kindle Paperwhite. Thankfully, however, the FAA has finally pulled the trigger on the long-awaited decision to allow the usage of personal electronics during all phases of flight, letting passengers use e-readers, tablets and the like "with very limited exception." The governmental body expects that a number of carriers will deliver on the promise by year's end. Of course there's some fine print: airplane mode is still strongly encouraged and "implementation will vary among airlines," according to a release issued this morning. We also assume that the same rules will apply to tray tables, so that iMac will have to stay in your bag. Update: Looks like Delta's on-board to start pretty much right away. Update 2: JetBlue received formal FAA approval on Friday, November 1st, and began allowing gate-to-gate electronics use immediately.
FAA: WiFi safe to use during takeoff, landing
Within the next year or so, travelers may find that the restrictions from using mobile devices and in-flight WiFi on aircraft during takeoff and landing are lifted. Last week, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) panel recommended that the use of devices during those critical flight segments be lifted, with the exception of making phone calls and sending text messages. Now the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the same advisory committee says that WiFi is safe to use throughout a flight. Currently, a growing number of airliners have onboard WiFi systems that turn on after aircraft reach 10,000 feet. Close to 60 percent of all commercial US aircraft are already approved for WiFi use, and the testing that was required to certify the aircraft for onboard WiFi is rigorous enough that the panel is recommending that portable devices be given the thumbs-up for use throughout a flight. Fortunately, the panel is still recommending that cellular voice usage be disabled during all flight operations, so having to listen to a teenager's conversation during a five-hour flight is still a nightmare we'll not have to face. On the bad side, the panel has also asked the FAA and Federal Communications Commission to take another look at whether or not cellular voice and data should be allowed. The full report from the panel is expected to be released soon and will include more than two dozen recommendations. The FAA needs to act on those recommendations before they can be implemented, so it will most likely be well into 2014 before we're allowed to read an e-book or play Angry Birds on an iPad during takeoff.
Daily Roundup: Distro Issue 109, Valve's Steam Controller, CyanogenMod creator Steve Kondik and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
FAA committee thinks smartphone and tablet use should be allowed during takeoff and landing
Recall that silent rage you get when you're told to switch of your Kindle, iPod or laptop for take-off and landing, even when there's nothing wireless going on. Well, the FAA could be approaching a change in the rules. A 28-member committee, created by the Federal Aviation Administration itself, has offered up its recommendation that flyers should be able to use "most" devices during takeoff and landing. Data-based activities and voice calls would still be prohibited, but the group recommends that passengers should be allowed to watch videos, type away at documents, listen to music and more when planes take off and land. Amazon has already released a statement, with the company acting as the representative device manufacturer within the FAA committee. "We've been fighting for our customers on this issue for years - testing an airplane packed full of Kindles, working with the FAA, and serving as the device manufacturer on this committee," said Amazon's Drew Herdener. "This is a big win for customers and, frankly, it's about time". If the FAA decides to progress with these recommendations (although it certainly doesn't have to), changes could occur as soon as early 2014. However, timing will depend on how the FAA decides to roll out implementation. However, according to industry officials, if it's done airline by airline, it could well take longer. We'll continue to pack a paperback for now.
FAA approves first drones for commercial operations in US airspace
Insitu's Scan Eagle X200 and AeroVironment's Puma (above) are the first UAVs to snag FAA approval for commercial operations, and they're set to take to the skies later this summer. Prior to this, the only way the private sector could fly an unmanned vessel in US airspace was with an experimental airworthiness certification -- and that cert prohibits business activities. It's worth noting that these craft weigh less than 55 pounds and measure four and a half feet long; they aren't Predator drones, by any means. Come August, a "major energy company" will use the X200 to patrol the Alaskan coast, keeping an eye on ice floes and migrating whales where the firm is doing petroleum exploration. Plans for the Puma sound slightly more action-packed, as it's expected to support oil spill emergency response-crews and watch over wildlife in the Beaufort Sea. See, this is how it all begins: First we start trusting them with our lives, then it all takes a turn for the worse. [Image credit: Wikimedia Commons]
FAA planning to let you use your gadgets in flight
I know those flight attendants are just doing their job, but I've always resented being made to "turn off" my iPhone and iPad during pre-flight announcements. Ever since Mythbusters disproved it, I've never believed that there was a problem between my iPad's wireless connection and the airplane's signaling (especially in Airplane Mode, which is what it's for, right?), and I've always secretly suspected that turning things off was just a ploy to make me rewatch those safety instructions yet again. Now, finally, it looks like the FAA is ready to relax those rules, after another report saying that there are no issues between consumer wireless devices, and airplane tools. The regulations themselves date back to the 1960s, when wireless devices were indeed very different, and it's about time these rules were laid to rest. Note, however, that the report doesn't mention actual phone calls -- this change, if made, would only be about turning devices on and off, not full wireless interaction. Certainly, there are good reasons to keep flight passengers quiet and paying attention during pre-flight announcements, and if that's what this is all about, then they should say that. But the "wireless interference" story has always been bunk, and hopefully, if this report is finalized, we should see the FAA turn the rule around officially in a few months. [via @martinvars]
WSJ: FAA will soon ease in-flight restrictions for some electronic devices
We've been hearing rumblings that the FAA wants to start letting you use certain gadgets on airplanes through the "terrible 10,000 feet," and according to the WSJ, it's about to do just that. A 28-member industry and government panel's draft report strongly recommended relaxing blanket rules against electronics that have been in place since 1966 due to massive changes in technology since then. The committee also cited reports showing that passengers often forget to turn off gadgets without any consequences and that airlines, left to enact their own rules, are much too conservative. If it goes along with the document, the FAA will likely allow the use of certain devices, like e-readers and music players, during all phases of flight -- though the ban on cellphones is expected to continue since the panel wasn't authorized to broach that controversial issue. As for other devices, the details are still being bandied about, and the FAA is unlikely to announce a formal decision until the end of September. Still, now might be a good time to start fortifying that music and book collection ahead of your next big trip.
Japan clears 787s for takeoff pending FAA-approved battery fix
Japan's transport minster, Akihiro Ohta, announced today that the country's airliners can resume flying grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners once a newly approved battery system is installed. "We have reached a conclusion that there is no problem with the judgment by the FAA," Ohta told the Associated Press. Back in January two separate fires caused by the 787's lithium ion batteries led to the FAA temporarily grounding all Dreamliners. Japan's decision comes shortly after Boeing's CEO, Jim McNerney, stated during the company's recent fiscal conference call that he expected all 50 aircraft to be fixed by the middle of May. Japanese airline officials are forecasting a slightly longer timeline, with the country's 787s returning to the skies around June and test flights scheduled to begin on April 28th.
Boeing resumes 787 Dreamliner deliveries in early May, finishes retrofits soon after
Now that Boeing has received the all-clear to implement its battery fix for the 787 Dreamliner, aviation buffs have mostly been left waiting to hear when they can once again climb aboard the advanced jet. It might be a short wait, according to CEO Jim McNerney. During a fiscal results call, he anticipated 787 deliveries resuming in early May, with all 50 aircraft fixed by the middle of that month. Passengers will just have to wait for airlines to resume (or establish) scheduled flights before they can once more enjoy some modern mid-air luxury.
FAA approves Boeing 787 battery fix, gives the green light for repairs
It's been a few weeks since the Boeing 787 successfully completed testing, but the FAA has finally weighed in on the proposed tweaks to the plane's faulty lithium-ion batteries. Today the organization approved Boeing's battery fix, which means the aircraft maker could soon end the three-month grounding of all Dreamliners. The real action will come next week, when the FAA will issue instructions for making changes to the 787s and -- according to an official statement -- "publish in the Federal Register the final directive that will allow the 787 to return to service." Airlines operating the Dreamliner, including United and ANA, will be required to install containment and venting systems in addition to replacing the batteries with the new, modified components. This is certainly some good news for Boeing; these past few months haven't exactly been easy on the company's pocketbook (or reputation), but it still has plenty of work ahead in retrofitting its 50-strong fleet.
Boeing 787 completes battery testing, ready for re-evaluation by FAA
Boeing's Dreamliner finally appears ready for the FAA to give it another shot. After being grounded in January the 787 has undergone numerous tweaks and refinements to improve the safety and reliability of the aircraft. The final test before submitting to the federal regulatory body for commercial approval was this morning's flight, which included a new battery system built by GS Yuasa Corp. After a roughly two-hour journey that began at 10:39am in Washington, the company reported that the upgraded batteries performed "as intended during normal and non-normal flight conditions." The next step will be submitting the proposed changes to the FAA, which will then decide if the proposed fixes are enough to return the jet to active duty. A two day hearing is set for April 23rd, at which point the fate of this current incarnation of the 787 will be decided.
