DGCA to review norms for use of mobile phones on aircraft

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is examining legal aspects of allowing the use of mobile phones on aircraft, its top official said.

Some members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee had last week suggested a review of the norms regarding the use of mobile phones on aircraft at the touch down point.

"We have received suggestions and the Ministry (Civil Aviation) has also asked us to examine it. I am looking at the legal requirements," director general of Civil Aviation Naseem Zaidi told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar.
    
Zaidi said that he was looking at some of the practices that have been adopted in other countries and would take a call on the issue after examining all the related aspects.

According to a 2000 Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), any electronic device, including mobile phones, which intentionally transmits radio signals is prohibited for use by passengers at all times while on board.
    
The DGCA is setting up a working group to prepare a Draft Civil Aviation Requirement on various aspects of emergency response, Zaidi said.

"We are setting up a working group to evolve a comprehensive civil aviation requirement that will lay down various regulatory aspects dealing with emergency responseincluding planning, preparedness, review, training. It should be in place over the next 8-12 weeks, he said.