Well, it's been a while. And plenty has happened since I last posted.
It's hard to continue because of my (shameful) lack of involvement in aviation. It's one thing if I had my pilot certificate. This blog would have a lot more activity, but since I do not, it, along with myself, will struggle.
But that does not mean that some good aviation commentary cannot occur.
Recently, as some may recall, a bird strike occurred in New York involving a Delta Airlines flight. And some may also remember that video emerged from the incident.
Grant Cardone, the person who took the video of the bird strike, came on CNN and made some valid points. Let's side with him for a minute. He questioned well, why not have the FAA ban all personal electronic devices?
Let's look at Federal Regulations now. 14 CFR Part 121 Section 306 states the limitations of use of personal electronic devices save a few specific examples (smartphones, tablets, and regular cellphones are not on that list). Moreover, let's take a look at Advisory Circular 91.21-1. Although this Advisory Circular applies to non-scheduled non-charter general aviation operations, the safety behind the conception of this advisory is valid.
Though it is true, the electronics on an airplane are heavily shielded, SAFETY of flight according to the FAA (involving the "competent pilot", or in this case, commercial operator) will imply complete denial of use of such products.
True, general aviation and some airlines are now using tablet computers in flight. Moving map, approach plates, and even synthetic vision for aerial navigation are available for the use of the technologically savvy pilot. But for airline use, regulatory hurdles must be passed.
Years ago, I was a subscriber to Air and Space magazine. I recall reading an article about this same subject...an airliner on an instrument approach was a half mile off course because of an errant passenger with his phone on.
And I will admit this. I have been on one flight (not naming the airline) crossing the US. Next to me, an older lady was sleeping, and was asleep for the whole flight. She never had turned off her cellular phone. And it was on during the entire flight. And just after touchdown in Los Angeles, her phone rings. She realized her mistake.
Many people feel that flight attendants simply want to control all aspects in the cabin. I can say first hand that this is not the case. Those preflight announcements are required by the federal government. Those who refuse to listen, or refuse to comply have a consequence to pay. In my days of working for the airlines, we have had many people get taken off flights because of failure to comply. Let's not forget what got Alec Baldwin in trouble. If you think that such a thing cannot happen, well, let's not forget the letter that Grant Cardone received from the FAA.
This is not the place to question what the FAA has done. What occurred was simply the FAA responding to a violation of regulation. It's not a matter of questioning the validity of the law...it's just the law. Put simply, the law was violated. The FAA will NORMALLY give more than just a letter. Administrative action is the FAA's normal MO. Rather than complain, we should be thankful that the FAA is merciful in this area (because this is an unprecedented case where a broken law was counteracted with just a written warning, which is what the letter equated to). It's the FAA and not the airlines that come up with the rules. All the airlines do is follow them, and hope their customers also follow them.
I understand Cardone's frustration. But infractions are infractions. Pilots study infractions and incidents of others as a safety measure. May we see understand this incident and at least listen and follow what your flight attendant (who although does not know you, will give his or her life for you) instructs you to do.
Whew...I got a little vocal with this one!
Blue Skies and Tailwinds to all!
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