Definition

A portable electronic device (PED) is defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as any piece of lightweight, electrically powered equipment. These devices typically are consumer electronic devices, capable of communication, data processing and/or computing. Examples are laptop computers, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, MP3 players, drones, and electronic toys.

Introduction

The rapid increase in use of and range of PEDs has led regulators to reassess their policies on PED use on board aircraft used for commercial air transport. Although there was never any documented evidence of risk to flight safety, for many years, the “Precautionary Principle” was applied and the use of all PEDs was banned during critical phases of flight (takeoff/initial climb and approach and landing), this being usually defined by the illumination of the seat belt signs during those flight phases.