I wish one of these articles would quote some actual regulations. As far as I understand, the CFRs (FARs) have been more advisory than regulatory in these details, generally leaving it up to the airlines to decide their policies on personal electronics, then approving those policies. The 10k foot rule that Techcrunch refers to was never in the FARs, as far as I've read, rather it is/was an FCC regulation. Seriously, I'd like to see the actual regulations that have changed, if anyone can find them.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following U.S.-registered civil aircraft:
(1) Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate; or
(2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply toβ
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers; or
(5) Any other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.
(c) In the case of an aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used. In the case of other aircraft, the determination may be made by the pilot in command or other operator of the aircraft.
Advisory Circular (AC) 91.21-1B is the recommended implementation of FAR 91.21 and includes the take off/landing and operation below 10,000 rules and seems to be what everyone is using.
Haha whoah whoah whoah since when is playing Go hipster and something that 'they' do? This whole us vs. them turn in the conversation is making me suddenly uncomfortable.
