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FCC chairman urges FAA to let people use tablets during takeoff

FCC chairman urges FAA to let people use tablets during takeoff

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Electronic devices in-flight iPad
Electronic devices in-flight iPad

The FCC is "urging" the FAA to let people use mobile electronic devices during flight takeoff and landing, reports The Hill. Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the FCC, sent a letter to FAA acting director Michael Huerta on Thursday exhorting the benefits of tablets and computers, which he says "empower people to stay informed and connected with friends and family." Genachowski also sprinkled in some economic arguments for good measure, saying that the devices enable "both large and small businesses to be more productive and efficient, helping drive economic growth and boost US competitiveness."

In response to growing public pressure, the FAA formed a committee in August to study its current policies on electronic devices, but so far no recommendations have been made. Hopefully, this nudge from the FCC can provide a little extra motivation to move things along. In a way that doesn’t end in planes dropping out of the sky, of course.