DGCA drafts fresh rules for onboard WiFi services in aircraft; operators to identify safety hazards

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 26

It has been five months since the central government permitted the access of internet services to passengers through onboard Wi-Fi. On Wednesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation drafted new rules for the use of portable electronic devices that can be carried by passengers.

The draft revisions of the Air Safety Section of Civil Aviation Requirements was released after six years. They were last revised in 2014 when the use of mobile telephones inside an aircraft was not permitted—provided they were switched to “flight” mode.

The fresh rules state, that the use of onboard WI-FI on portable electronic devices will be permitted provided the aircraft has prior approval from DGCA.

The aircraft operator has to ensure that the In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) services being provided enruote are approved by the Department of Telecommunication.

The internet services would be available only after the aircraft has attained a height of 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet above the elevation of the departure or arrival airfield.

The services would be available when the electronic device is used in “non-transmitting” or “flight” mode. These devices can be deactivated by the pilot-in-command for any reason, and during any phase of the flight.

Restrictions on the use of such services would be recommended in the aircraft certification documents or flight manuals.

DGCA has also mandated aircraft operators to identify safety hazards, and manage associated risks for use of onboard Wi-Fi.

These include use of electronic devices during various stages of light, used during turbulence, non-compliance of regulations by passengers, disruptive passengers, improperly stowed devices and battery fire. Cabin crew would be required to keep a watch on passengers to ensure compliance of prohibitory requirements.

According to DGCA, portable electronic devices are not included in the approved aircraft configuration, and they may not meet the stringent electromagnetic emission standards imposed on certified airborne equipment.

Many of these devices have shown significant radio frequency emissions in excess of permissible levels within the frequency band of aircraft communication and navigation systems. Aircraft manufacturers had earlier recommended that devices which intentionally transmit radio signals should be prohibited for use by passengers at all times while onboard the aircraft.

With the advancement in technologies and research on the usage of mobile phones in the air, many aviation regulators across the world have determined that airlines can safely allow the use of electronic devices during all phases of flight provided they remained in ‘flight’ mode.

Since 2014, passengers in India could use mobiles and laptops to play games, listen to songs watch videos or do offline work.