Personal Electronic Devices in all stages of flight coming to Canada

Earlier last year, US regulators and European regulators began to loosen the rules on the use of Personal Electronic Devices during all stages of flight.

It seem Canada will be joining the party according to Transport Canada It seem Canadian regulator will allowed to use devices such as long as they don’t make telephone calls or use WiFi.

Devices that will be allowed to be used are pretty similar, with the following suggested for clearance for use:

• Cameras
• Electronic Games
• E-readers
• Tablets
• Computers

PED notice from Transport Canada – note the second line.

Looking through the list, there’s something here that’s not on a lot of lists before – the allowance of computers during all stages in flight. This is interesting as no other regulator has allowed their use during taxi, take-off and landing.

It’s also worrying as computers aren’t exactly the lightest thing in the cabin, and the thought of one of those flying through the cabin at speed isn’t exactly filling me with hope.

Transmitting Electronic devices will be restricted, with them only allowed in non-transmitting mode (or to you and me – flight mode)

Both WestJet and Air Canada are preparing to file for the exemption, to allow for implementation as soon as possible, with WestJet expecting Transport Canada approval to allow guests greater use of PEDs early this summer.

Transport Canada states that the allowance of the devices will be at the  discretion of the air operators

“must demonstrate that their aircraft are not affected by the use of the devices and that during critical phases of flight and during emergencies, all passengers are aware of and able to follow crew instructions.”

For passengers, it’ll be a bit more uniformity in the air as they can use their devices freely and as needed. For operators and cabin crews, they won’t have to deal with the question of “The previous airline I was on allowed me to do this, why can’t I here?”.

All good things. However, that part the use of computers still bugs me. A lot…