FAA to relax restrictions on game systems and tablets

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced plans to relax guidelines that restricted the use of electronic devices, meaning soon you'll be able to play your handheld or tablet games during take-off and landing.

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Those who fly often enough know the drill: you're sitting on a plane, playing your 3DS or iPad, and then you have to shut it off for the half-hour or so it takes to reach cruising altitude or land. All of that is set to change in the near future, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will be relaxing the electronic device guidelines that required device shutdowns.

NBC News reports that the revised guidelines will allow the use of tablets and video game consoles, among other personal electronic devices, during take-off and landing. This follows a report in September that concluded that most commercial airplanes are relatively unaffected by radio interference from the devices.

This doesn't mean that all electronic activity will be allowed. You can't make a phone call or send a text, and devices that transmit cell signals (like 3G-enabled tablets) will still need that mode turned off. But those functions are largely taken care of by "Airplane Mode" settings, so at least now you won't have to turn it off completely.

"The world has changed a lot in the past 50 years," said FAA administrator Michael Huerta. "Let's take a fresh look. It will take some time for each airline to certify their fleet is safe, but we expect implementation to be soon."

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  • reply
    October 31, 2013 9:00 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, FAA to relax restrictions on game systems and tablets.

    The Federal Aviation Administration has announced plans to relax guidelines that restricted the use of electronic devices, meaning soon you'll be able to play your handheld or tablet games during take-off and landing.

    • reply
      October 31, 2013 9:12 AM

      maybe I'm a dick about this, but I actually liked when people had to put away their toys, even if it was just for takeoff and landing

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:14 AM

        how does it affect you in any way?

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:15 AM

        Why? What do you possibly gain from it?

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:16 AM

        You still have to stow your gear during takeoff and landing.

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:19 AM

        maybe

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:23 AM

        how do you feel about the battle for the armrest?

      • reply
        October 31, 2013 9:23 AM

        But if someone watches porn in front of you, that's free porn!

        • reply
          October 31, 2013 10:48 AM

          That is true, yes, but what if that someone is watching gay porn?

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