Devices weighing less than 1kg will be allowed
to be used in flight mode during takeoff and landing, once CASA gives airlines the green light. Source: Supplied
AUSTRALIAN airlines are just a signature
away from allowing passengers to use electronic devices from gate to gate on domestic flights.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority late yesterday published its new regulation all but clearing the way for smartphones and iPads weighing up to 1kg to be operated in flight-mode during takeoff and landing.
CASA is now seeking a “revised submission” from airlines confirming they have completed a safety checklist.
Virgin Australia and Qantas must show aircraft manufacturers are happy for personal electronic devices to be used from gate to gate.
Then they need to explain what safety systems they will implement to ensure passengers are complying with the regulation, and not using the device in a disruptive or unsafe way.
Only devices weighing up to 1kg will be able to be used during takeoffs and landing to limit the risk of heavier items becoming airborne and causing injury.
Laptops will still have to be stowed securely in overhead lockers.
Finally airlines will need to revise training procedures so flight crew are aware of the regulations and the requirement passengers pay attention to cabin safety announcements.
Among the issues highlighted in the safety advisory was an incident in November last year, when a Qantas plane en route to Sydney was diverted to Newcastle because of severe turbulence.
One passenger was struck by an iPad from three rows away, and another was hit in the head with a laptop and needed hospital treatment.
CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said he expected the airlines would have their revised submissions ready to go.
Virgin Australia chief customer officer Mark Hassell confirmed last night the new submission had already been lodged and they were just waiting for CASA’s tick-off.
Once that happened, the airline would work to “immediately implement the use of handheld devices from gate to gate”.
“In-flight entertainment is a key driver of customer satisfaction and this application marks the next phase of that product evolution,” said Mr Hassell.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the change would be “an exciting development to an already exceptional in-flight entertainment service”.