Legalino

US Senators Lobbying For Law To Prevent Pilots From Using Laptops

The bill proposed by senators Amy Klobuchar and Byron Dorgan would not only prohibit pilots from using laptops while operating aircrafts, it would also restrict the use of any type of hand held electronic device by stewards, co-pilots and crew. After it was revealed that two pilots flew a commercial airplane full of passengers past their arrival destination because they were immersed in their laptops lawmakers have been debating what effect digital devices have on aviation law. Normally the Federal Aviation Administration would be the agency in charge of making such decisions, but the Senate believes that more proactive measures are necessary.

The majority of airline companies highly specific rules that prohibit their crews from acting in any manner that would put passengers at risk, but electronic communication devices fall into a gray area. Cell phones are allowed to be used by both passengers and stewards after takeoff, however, pilots are required to monitor the skies at all times. There are laws on the books that prohibit pilots from using electronic communication devices when planes are taking off and when they are landing, but recent events have prompted government officials to consider how much technology has changed since the last law was enacted. As it stands the Federal Aviation Administration is supporting the law but unions that represent pilots and other airline staff may challenge the bill if and when it is passed. Many airlines actually encourage their staff to bring their cell phones and laptops on board for emergency safety reasons, but these proposed restrictions may make it difficult for them to use their devices if it ever becomes necessary.

10.09.2009. 04:09