§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they will take to ensure that public safety is not compromised by the increase in interference between consumer electronic devices and navigational systems.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)Standards relating to Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) for aircraft and their systems already exist and are continuously updated as the level of understanding of EMC and the possibility of Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) increases. Consequently, aircraft systems demonstrate a high level of immunity to EMI.
124WAOn large passenger aircraft the level of interference that may be produced by consumer electronics is unlikely to have any detrimental effects on the aircraft's systems. However, due to the diversity of devices available, the Civil Aviation Authority have adopted a cautious approach and placed restrictions on the use of consumer electronics on board aircraft, including a complete ban on the use of mobile telephones. In addition, flight crews are advised to monitor the use of any consumer electronic devices for signs of interference to the aircraft's systems.