Portable electronic devices
The aircraft operator controls portable electronic devices (PEDs) on board (CAR 602.08):
- PED: any lightweight, electrically powered device capable of transmitting or producing electromagnetic signals (CAR 101.01(1)).
| Party | Rule | CAR |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Must not permit PED use that could adversely affect aircraft operation or functioning of its systems or equipment | 602.08(1) |
| Everyone else | No person may use a PED except with the operator's permission | 602.08(2) |
- Authority: operator only, not passenger, ATC, or per-flight regulator sign-off.
- Test: interference with the aircraft, not phase of flight or altitude.
Interference sources (TC AIM COM 4.4), caution during takeoff, approach, landing:
| Device | Interference |
|---|---|
| FM radio, TV receivers | Radiate in ILS/VOR band |
| AM radio receivers | Radiate in ADF band |
| Handheld calculators | Can interfere with airborne ADF (200 to 450 kHz) if within 5 ft of loop/sense antenna or its lead-in cable |
Overheating signs (AC 700-065 4.3):
- Device hot to the touch
- Thermal runaway signs include:
- Overheat alert on screen
- Discoloured or deformed display
- Smoke
- Burning plastic smell
- Sizzling or hissing sounds
- Sparks
Battery fire (AC 700-065 4.2, 4.4, 4.9, 5.3):
- Remove the power.
- Put flames out with an extinguisher.
- Douse with water.
Trap: passenger decides for own device, or restriction applies only at takeoff and landing; covering the device with a blanket or icing it is wrong (AC 700-065 4.9).
References
- CARs 602.08
- CARs 101.01(1)
- TC AIM COM 4.4
- TC AC 700-065, 4.3 (Recognition of thermal runaway)
- TC AC 700-065, 4.2, 4.4, 4.9, 5.3