Driving and Flying with Portable Electronic Devices




(Washington) This week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a nationwide ban on the use of portable electronic devices while driving.

NTSB members say the action is necessary to combat a growing threat posed by distracted drivers.

While distracted driving has been a problem "since the Model T," in the words of NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman, authorities say it has become ubiquitous with the explosion in the number of portable smart phones.

Meanwhile, portable electronic devices are being put into airplane cockpits to help eliminate paper.

The FAA and American Airlines announced earlier this week that AA will be the first major airline to switch to a paperless cockpit. If you have a bumpy flight next time you fly AA, it might be because your pilot is playing Angry Birds (and using the same flight arc as the bird).

iPads in cockpits is growing quite popular among pilots and airlines.

Presumably, the cockpit crews will continuously use their portable electronic devices even as flight attendants instruct passengers to turn them off and put them away.

It seems the feds are sending mixed signals regarding portable electronic devices.