MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will soon issue a memorandum order allowing the use of mobile gadgets on Philippine flights, CAAP deputy director general Capt. John Andrews said.
Andrews said the new guidelines were penned following a go-signal on the use of smartphones and other gadgets on airplanes from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
He said the new policy was “long overdue.”
“In the past 25 years na lumabas ang mga cellphone, wala pang nababalita na kaso ng cellphone na nag-interfere sa electronic equipment ng eroplano,” Andrews told dzMM on Tuesday.
Passengers are required to turn off electronic devices during takeoff and landing, and will only be allowed for use when the captain gives the go-ahead signal. With the new policy, passengers may use the devices during takeoffs, landings and taxiing.
Andrews, however, noted that only text messaging, gaming and internet surfing will be allowed “for practical purposes.” He said making calls are still prohibited.
“Kasi kung 200 na tao ay sabay-sabay magsasalita medyo magulo at maingay,” he said.
Andrews noted that while text messaging may be handy as the plane begins its descent or during takeoff, passengers may not be able to send messages when the plane reaches a certain altitude because of poor signal.
“Kapag stable na ang eroplano, wala kayong signal na matatanggap kasi mataas tayo eh. Pwede lang ito kapag malapit na sa lupa,” he said.
Andrews said once CAAP’s memorandum order is issued, it has to be published by a major newspaper and will be effective 15 days after publication.
“Makakatulong ito sa mga pasahero at sa mga airline para nalalaman natin ang mga nangyayari sa biyahe ng mga eroplano. It’s for better service all around,” he said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
