So why do they make us power down all electronic devices before takeoff? We have all heard the rumors that electronic devices interfere with the pilots ability to fly the plane but it turns out there is no proof that electronics actually affect avionics. To add to your frustration, it has recently been discovered that while the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) prohibits passengers from using any electronic devices, even those on airplane mode, it permits iPads in the cockpit as flight manuals and for use by flight attendants to inform them on flight procedures.
Well, good news is on the horizon. Under pressure from numerous interest groups and Congress, the F.A.A. has announced that it plans to relax electronics restrictions (mostly concerning electronic reading devices) during takeoff and landing by the end of 2013 – although the relaxed rules will not include changes to cell phone restrictions. The F.A.A. created a working group to study the effects of using electronic devices on planes. The working group consists of representatives from several interested parties including Amazon, the Consumer Electronics Association, Boeing, the Association of Flight Attendants, and the Federal Communications Commission.
In Congress, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) has indicated she will ensure the promised relaxed regulations will be announced by the F.A.A. by introducing legislation to require that the Administration does so.
With electronics becoming more and more a part of everyone’s daily lives, the Federal Aviation Administration is forced to make some changes. The number of arrests of airline passengers who have become aggressive and uncooperative when the outdated electronic regulations are enforced against them has increased. Wearable computers are becoming more popular. Nike has introduced FuelBand, a device that tracks daily activity and motivates the wearer to increase physical activity and an overall healthy lifestyle. Jawbone has introduced a similar product called UP. Google and Apple have announced their future wearable products – Google glasses and iWatch respectively. When electronics become a part of someone’s clothing and daily routine, it becomes more of an inconvenience to require that the device be powered down during takeoff and landing. Something must be done to adapt to the increasing presence of electronics in society. Special interests groups and Congress have done a great job of moving forward on this issue.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/disruptions-f-a-a-may-loosen-curbs-on-fliers-use-of-electronics/?ref=technology