FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 14006: Prohibition on Personal Use of Electronic Devices on the Flight Deck
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO provides information to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 air carriers regarding the prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on the flight deck.
Why It Matters
Part 121 § 121.542 (d) (effective 4/14/14) prohibits flightcrew members from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for personal use while at their duty station on the flight deck while the aircraft is being operated, unless it is in accordance with FAA approved operational procedures. This prohibition is intended to ensure that non-essential activities do not affect flight deck task management or cause a loss of situational awareness during aircraft operation.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-270
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department InFO 14006
of Transportation DATE: 5/20/14
Federal Aviation
Administration Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: Prohibition on Personal Use of Electronic Devices on the Flight Deck
Purpose: This InFO provides information to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 air carriers regarding the prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on the flight deck.
Background: Part 121 § 121.542 (d) (effective 4/14/14) prohibits flightcrew members from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for personal use while at their duty station on the flight deck while the aircraft is being operated, unless it is in accordance with FAA approved operational procedures. This prohibition is intended to ensure that non-essential activities do not affect flight deck task management or cause a loss of situational awareness during aircraft operation.
Discussion: Operators should be aware of the following:
This prohibition includes any personal use by flightcrew members of these devices, including, but not limited to, talking, texting, bidding for schedules, reading or accessing the Internet. In other words, all personal use is prohibited, whether or not the device is in “airplane mode”.
“FAA approved operational procedures” (e.g., use of electronic flight bags, digitized charts or manuals) are those procedures that have been developed by the air carrier and have been approved/accepted, as appropriate, by the FAA.
This prohibition does not apply to a person occupying a flight deck jumpseat.
The prohibition applies regardless of any “ownership” test. The rule does not differentiate between devices owned by the air carrier or the flightcrew member. Rather, the rule requires a “use” test.
These devices (regardless of ownership) may not be used for personal use during aircraft operation but may be used only in accordance with FAA approved operational procedures, as defined above. Recommended Actions: This prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on the flight deck in the final rule is applicable only to operations under part 121. However, Directors of Safety and training managers for all operators under parts 135 and 125, as well as part 91K, are encouraged to include operating procedures in their manuals and crewmember training programs prohibiting flightcrew members from using such devices for personal use during aircraft operation..
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to Nancy Claussen, Policy Integration Branch, AFS-270 at (202) 267-8166 or nancy.l.claussen@faa.gov
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 14006