A federal advisory panel is studying whether to ease the rules against using electronic devices on planes during takeoff and landing, though there is still contention on the issue, according to USA Today.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requested a study last year from a panel of industry and labor representatives to determine whether to ease restrictions against using electronics while taxiing, taking off or landing. The panel was scheduled to release its recommendation last month, but on Friday, the FAA announced that it would extend the deadline to September.
"The FAA recognizes consumers are intensely interested in the use of personal electronics aboard aircraft," the FAA said in a statement. "At the group's request, the FAA has granted a two-month extension to complete the additional work necessary for the safety assessment.
"We will wait for the group to finish its work before we determine next steps," the statement continued.
The 28 members of the advisory committee have reached a consensus that at least some the current restrictions should be eased, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, details are still being debated and there are gaps in the report.
The FAA began restricting electronics before the widespread use of smart phones and computer tablets. The restrictions were the result of concerns that the electronic devices could potentially interfere with a plane's guidance and communications systems.
The risk is considered to be less of an issue now, as electronic devices emit less and plane equipment is better insulated. Pilots and flight attendants are even using tablets as part of their job.
Senator Claire McCaskill, a democrat from Missouri, is among those advocating allowing passengers to use electronic devices on planes. She has even threatened legislation if the FAA doesn't comply.
"It's good to see the FAA may be on the verge of acknowledging what the traveling public has suspected for years - that current rules are arbitrary and lack real justification," McCaskill said. "In the meantime, I'll continue my effort to have these regulations rigorously examined until scientific evidence has been presented to justify them, or the rules are altered."
Airline crewmembers have expressed concern that banning some electronic devices while still allowing others would be very difficult to enforce. For example, cell phone use is prohibited and the FAA study won't change that rule. An iPod Touch and an iPhone look identical, making it difficult for crew members to determine if someone is violating the rule.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), which is a member of the advisory panel, said current conclusions about the report are "premature" and details will change before the final publication.
"AFA supports technical innovation, but our first priorities are the safety and security of flight, as they are for the FAA, other aviation stakeholders and the traveling public," the union said in a statement.
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