This all goes back to two parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14 of the CFR). 91.21 deals with all aircraft with respect to portable electronic devices (which our noise cancelling headset are), but 121.306 is specifically for air carriers (airlines), and I quote it below. What it basically says is that, with certain exceptions, no portable electronic device may be operated on board an airliner at any time unless the air carrier has determined that it will not cause interference to navigation or communication systems on board the aircraft. The airlines have determined that during cruise flight the risk is small from certain devices, but they do not want any risk during critical phases of flight (typically regarded as taxi, takeoff and landing). So they ban their operation below 10,000 feet (typically) to provide a simple guide for the flight crew. Makes it simple for crew who have more pressing duties during those portions of the flight.
As noted by others, the pilots are likely wearing noise cancelling headsets, but they are likely approved to RTCA standards making them “legal” for use during all phases of flight. I know I wear mine from right after engine start until right after engine shutdown, but the cockpit of a Cessna 172 is a bit louder than the back of an aluminum death tube (sorry, I travel too much and really don’t like airline travel). Ghery S. Pettit, NCE PP-ASEL § 121.306 Portable electronic devices. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any U.S.-registered civil aircraft operating under this part. (b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to— (1) Portable voice recorders; (2) Hearing aids; (3) Heart pacemakers; (4) Electric shavers; or (5) Any other portable electronic device that the part 119 certificate holder has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used. (c) The determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that part 119 certificate holder operating the particular device to be used. _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Robert Johnson Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 6:02 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Noise canceling headsets On my last flight the flight attendant requested all electronic devices be turned off and specifically mentioned noise canceling headsets. The only real use I have for noise canceling headsets is for aircraft noise. I assumed these headsets were purely audio circuits. Is there some reason for them to be producing RF emissions? Is this just an uneducated paranoia about all things electronic? Is this just an attendant's opinion, an airline or FAA policy? The pilots use them, why not the passengers? Bob Johnson ITE Safety <http://www.itesafety.com> ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________ - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
