Personal electronic devices including mobile phones can be left turned on — and not just in 'flight mode' — during all phases of a flight, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has ruled.
The agency said it is satisfied that personal electronic devices do not pose a safety risk when used on aircraft.
It is now up to airlines to conduct their own safety tests, to the satisfaction of EASA, before implementing the change, although each airline may decide to put in place its own policy.
The announcement means passengers could soon be able to make/take phone calls when inside an aircraft. Of course, it will not be possible to get a reception while flying high in the air.
At the moment, passengers can use handheld devices during taxiing, take-off and landing, as long as 'flight mode' is switched on.
Graham Smith