Can a pilot use his phone?

Here is the question that a pilot might have: Is it possible to use a phone while flying?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by so many passengers and we are going to answer it in detail below. It is quite a reasonable question considering how all of us get fixated with our devices whenever they ring today. But what is the policy specifically concerning pilots and a phone or other handheld devices? A rather specific question is, Are pilots allowed to use their phones while operating an aircraft or not?

Current Policies and Regulations by FAA on Pilots Using Phones

The FAA has specific rules about pilots and phones they don't allow pilots to use any of their cell phones while flying. The rule simply states that no portable electronic devices can be used by pilots during operator control' in an aircraft which means that pilots cannot engage in talking on a cell phone or even texting on one.

High-risk exposure areas are during the taxiing, take-offs, landing, and any flight activities below 10,000 feet. Thus, pilots have only a few scenarios defined by the rules of safe flying where they can use their phones while actively flying a plane. Bisphone, during the phases of heightened danger, the pilots' attention is not on the aircraft but on the phones.

However, the use of electronic devices such as phones is prohibited during the take-off and landing phases of the flight but pilots are allowed to make use of the same during the cruise phase of the flight once the airplane has attained its normal cruising height or altitude. Nevertheless, there are limitations. Meanwhile, if there are two pilots, only one pilot is permitted to operate an electronic device during the cruise. The other pilot has to observe the flight constantly and be aware of the changes taking place. If the person is alone, then the pilot is not allowed to operate any devices whatsoever.

Why the Rules Exist

That is why the rules the FAA has set to limit the use of phones are mainly for security. To maneuver an aircraft one has to focus fully hence a pilot can't be distracted. One can get distracted by a cell phone call or a text message in the critical phases of a flight and it takes the pilot's attention away from flying the plane. Commuting along with passengers increases the possibility of the pilot making a fatal error due to distraction.

However, that is where the actual automation comes into play, where airplanes essentially fly themselves' through a good portion of a flight once they hit the en-route phase. Freight, or non-passenger, aircraft primarily use autopilot systems, so pilots only occasionally must check the instruments. This results in creating safer circumstances where the pilots can for instance employ devices such as phones for a few moments without compromising safety. However, some limitations are still present about backups' safety.

Are There Any Circumstances When Pilots Can Jog, Make Phone Calls, or Otherwise Move Around During the Critical Flight Phases?

It also requires pilots to have permission to make a phone call during the taxiing, taking off, landing, or any flight conducted below the height of 10km. There are some circumstances where pilots can gain approval to use devices:

• Airplane WiFi Phone Calls: Most commercial airplanes today have a Wi-Fi capability that passengers use. For instance, this WiFi can sometimes be used by pilots to make phone calls on the aircraft's wireless system without violating the FAA rules.
• Custom Electronic Flight Bags: Electronic flight bags are also a standard part of cockpits in today's commercial planes, and they are tablets that have maps, charts, checklists, and company manuals. In case it specifically pertains to FAA-certified, pilots can use such tablet devices in such critical phases of flight since they assist pilots in their function. In most cases, such devices provide the possibility to use phone features.

The rule is very strict and very rarely a pilot might be given a one-time permission to make a call with the phone provided that it is an emergency and in the case of a general aviation aircraft. However, it is worth mentioning that commercial airline pilots will not be able to use the phone at all, for any reason, while actively flying a commercial aircraft below 10,000 feet.

What about some non-flying use of the phones, for instance, during the time that the pilots are not flying the planes?

These rules should be remembered as they relate to when pilots are maneuvering the aircraft - taxiing, taking off and climbing, arriving at the destination, and coming to a halt. But what about using connected devices such as phones during other spare time aside from flying the aircraft?

Here are some examples:

• Waiting at the Gate: Cockpit personnel may have idle time waiting for passengers on board during takeoff as well as during debarkation after the flight. As for the periods of the flight, when a pilot is not at the controls, he or she can use a smartphone or a tablet in the same manner as an ordinary person. The pilots themselves are not manipulating the aircraft control during this time.
• Sitting in the Back: Regional jets and large planes have what is known as the rest facility' or a small berth in the rear part of the aircraft where a pilot can lie down or sit comfortably during long flights. If seated in the back of the plane, then pilots can also use devices. Once more there is another certified pilot who continues to manipulate controls still in the cockpit. This means that the resting pilot can utilize his or her phone.
• Layovers: Similar to the passengers, pilots spend nights in hotels for flights that have at least an overnight stopover in different places. A pilot cannot be on duty for more than 8 hours for a day. Other personnel, drivers, family members, and friends can use the phone just as any other person would do during the layover time of the pilots. They have to follow cockpit rules only when they are on flight duties and operational.

Is It Legal for Pilots to Have Their Phones with Them in the Flight Deck?

Hence, it is understood that pilots should not have their phones or use them during the control of the aircraft in sensitive or crucial phases of the flight. What if they bring their phones into the cockpit and just keep those phones in the cockpit? Is that allowed?

It is important to note that the FAA rules specifically bar pilots from having any personal electronic device that has not been approved by the FAA for use in the cockpit during flight. This includes a phone or tablet not part of the plane flight system or certified to be part of the flight system.

Yet, there are quite many airlines that permit pilots to take their phones into the cockpit but these must be placed in a special phone holder, bag, or compartment during times when they cannot be used. But usually, and for whatever reason, very often pilots still take their phones with them. They just cannot take them out or use them when actively operating the controls in phases of flight In the analysis of the regulations, the following definitions of the term's flying training', flying training aircraft', flight', and exercise' are relevant to the case.

It is because of such reasons that most pilots are involved in accidents through the use of phones.

As is evident, distracted driving is incredibly risky, and many likely ask have pilots using phones contributed to fatal accidents.

There are no reported incidents in modern commercial aviation history that would involve texting or phone use by pilots as a direct cause of an accident. However, some smaller general aviation crashes have involved distracted pilots using devices or otherwise not focused on flying: However, some smaller general aviation crashes have involved distracted pilots using devices or otherwise not focused on flying:

• In early 2012, two pilots died in a plane crash in Missouri after they reportedly lost control of a Cessna small plane because they were arguing over a food stop on a phone.
• In 2013, a pilot and three passengers lost their lives after the aircraft they were flying, a small one, crashed in Wiregrass Alabama after the pilot was distracted by his iPad trying to make a balance during take-off.

Thus, although there are certainly certain risks connected to pilots being distracted from their flying tasks. Commercial airlines have many safety measures and two professional pilots only to make sure that distraction or an error of a single pilot cannot endanger lives. However, phones and similar devices come with certain dangers that are not considered lightly by the strict measures airlines have put in place.

It seems that passengers want pilots to be just that, pilots and to leave anything that may distract them from flying to the other people involved in the safety of a flight.

A poll that was conducted online by the airline quality ranking website Airfarewatchdog revealed that 73% of the respondents believe that pilots should not use personal electronic devices such as their phones while flying the aircraft even when they are on autopilot. Again, the majority of passengers just desire their pilots to be solely concentrated on flying the airplane. The concern from passengers may explain why rules are still getting tighter about what pilots can do with phones and other gadgets while seated and operating a plane with hundreds of passengers onboard.

The rules specifically state that pilots performing operations, including those flying the aircraft, cannot interact with cell phones or have the cell phone in the cockpit to answer calls, send messages, or use applications. Such a prohibition seems to receive support from pilots since most of the pilots who were asked about their opinions believe that devices are disruptive, especially to pilots who are still engaging in flying activities. So yes, there might be a couple of cases when a pilot could safely glance at his phone mid-flight but phone usage is decidedly off-limits to avoid any compromise on the safety of the flight.

So the next time you are in the terminal and you manage to catch the eye of your pilot, ask him or her about the cool phone too. But do not expect it to be found in the cockpit of a fighter plane! There [safety] is always paramount at all times when the aircraft is in operation to allow the passengers to enjoy the trip.