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Government/Legislation
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In-flight cell phone use may be banned in the U.S.
A U.S. House of Representatives committee at the end of July voted to ban in-flight cell phone use on all U.S. commercial flights. The Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace (Hang Up) Act follows a temporary ban initially implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communication Commission, and it comes as the European Union begins to allow in-flight cell phone use on flights within that region.
The legislation now moves to the full House for review. Opponents have argued it is an impossible attempt to “legislate courtesy.” However, others have agreed that the discomfort caused by having to listen to other passengers’ conversations in the close quarters of an airplane would merit a ban.
Sources: Associated Press, CQ Politics, www.govtrack.us
Major airports nationwide to get Runway Status Lights
In mid July the acting Federal Aviation Administrator announced new initiatives designed to improve runway safety at busy U.S. airports. Runway Status Lights, which warn pilots when it is unsafe to cross or enter a runway, are currently being tested at Dallas Ft. Worth and San Diego International Airports.
The agency plans to install the system at the following airports over the next three years: Atlanta, Baltimore Washington International, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Dulles, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston Intercontinental, John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, O’Hare, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Seattle.
According to the FAA, improving runway safety and reducing the risk of runway incursions are two of the agency’s top priorities, and the number of serious runway incursions has dropped by more than 55 percent from 2001 through 2007.
Sources: faa.gov, msnbc.msn.com
