http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2014-02991_PI.pdf (http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2014-02991_PI.pdf)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57618756-94/faa-bans-pilots-personal-use-of-electronic-devices-in-cockpit/ (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57618756-94/faa-bans-pilots-personal-use-of-electronic-devices-in-cockpit/)
http://www.macrumors.com/2014/02/12/faa-electronics-ipad-cockpit/ (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/02/12/faa-electronics-ipad-cockpit/)
"This final rule will prohibit flightcrew members in operations under part 121 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. This rule, which conforms FAA regulations with legislation, is intended to ensure
that certain non-essential activities do not contribute to the challenge of task management on the flight deck
or a loss of situational awareness due to attention to non-essential tasks."
Most articles on this subject make it clear that the rule still allows for the use of electronic flight bags and similar.
The ruling is at least partially in response to this incident: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/26/airliner.flyby/ (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/26/airliner.flyby/)
where NWA pilots overshot their destination by 150 miles while using their laptops.
But the NWA pilots were doing work related stuff on their laptops, they were submitting their bids for the next month.
Some of us, who are active aviators, should never be allowed to even own an electronic device. I certainly count myself among that group.
What?