"Jonathan Goodish" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Bob Fry wrote:
ed I am not sure how your cellphone fits in here, but you DO know
ed that using it in flight is illegal

Using a digital PCS phone in flight is not illegal so long as the PIC
determines it doesn't interfere with any flight or nav instruments.
Using an older AMPS cellphone is illegal.


When did the FCC repeal this prohibition?



JKG

Operations
Aircraft Usage


Section 22.925 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR Part 22, provides that
cellular telephones installed in, or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or
any other type of aircraft, must not be operated while the aircraft is off
the ground. The following notice must be posted on or near each cellular
telephone installed in any aircraft: "The use of cellular telephones while
this aircraft is airborne is prohibited by FCC rules, and the violation of
this rule could result in suspension of service and/or a fine. The use of
cellular telephones while this aircraft is on the ground is subject to FAA
regulations."
However, the Commission has granted AirCell, Inc. (AirCell) and certain
participating cellular carriers limited waivers of Section 22.925, to allow
the use of AirCell equipment while airborne, subject to certain conditions.
The AirCell equipment, which includes a modified cellular mobile telephone
and specially designed aircraft antenna, is designed to avoid causing
significant interference to terrestrial cellular systems.
Pursuant to appeals filed by certain cellular licensees opposing the
Commission's grant of such waivers, the United States Court of Appeals for
the D.C. Circuit rejected petitioners' claim that the Commission's grant of
the waivers unlawfully modified their licenses, but remanded the case to the
Commission to further explain certain of the technical grounds for its
decision. See AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., v. FCC, 270 F.3d 959 (D.C. Cir.
2001). This remand, as well as a separate request by AirCell to extend the
duration of the waivers, are currently pending before the Commission.
Section 91.21 of the FAA rules (14. C.F.R. 91.21) prohibits the use of (with
some exceptions) portable electronic devices while on board U.S. registered
civil aircraft operated by the holder of an air carrier operating
certificate, or operating certificate, or any other aircraft operated under
instrument flight rules. The FAA has issued an advisory circular offering
information and guidance for assistance in compliance with Section 91.21.