NEW DELHI: Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) including cell phones can now be used during flights, the Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has said. A provision in the Aircraft Rules, 1957, bars the use of mobile phones mid-air despite there being no network available.

Now the DGCA has amended its CAR Section 5 Series X Part I relating to air safety today in this connection. The use of PEDs will be in the non-transmitting mode commonly called flight/airplane mode. The amended CAR also directs all operators for reporting of any suspected or confirmed PED interference or smoke or fire caused by PEDs to the DGCA. It also lays down the guidelines for the crew training.

Scheduled operators during their meeting on April 17 with the Director General Civil Aviation raised the demand for allowing use of PEDs during all phases of flight in the flight/airplane mode.

The DGCA examined their demand in view of the new and current regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Under the FAA and the EASA Regulations, the use of PEDs is allowed in the airplane mode in all phases of flight.