Europe looking to follow US to approve in-flight electronics

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is scrutinizing the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing following the American Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval on 31 October.

The FAA ruled that devices such as e-books, tablet computers and portable games consoles could be used “during all phases of flight”. Mobile phones will also be allowed, as long as their cellular radios are disabled or they are put into “airplane mode”. “We will be studying the review’s recommendations closely and discussing their implications directly with the FAA and also with the European Aviation Safety Agency, which will be responsible for deciding a Europe-wide response and next steps,” said a CAA spokesperson.