kfr (12/20/82)
The article on page 59 of the December issue of QST stated that it was permissable for the captain of a "nonscheduled airliner" (italized in QST) to give permission for ham operation. Captain Russell has erroneously added an interpretation to the rules that is incorrect! The Federal Aviation Regulations made no distinction between scheduled and nonscheduled airlines for the purpose of portable electronic device operation. Since there seems to be so much confusion about this regulation, here is the full text: 91.19 PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following U.S. registered civil aircraft: 1) Aircraft operated by an air carrier or commercial operator; or 2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR. b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to: 1) portable voice recorders; 2) Hearing Aids; 3) Heart pacemakers; 4) Electric shavers; 5) any other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used. c) In the case of an aircraft operated by an air carrier or commercial operator, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by the air carrier or commercial operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used. In the case of other aircraft, the determination may be made by the pilot in command or other operator of the aircraft. Kevin Redden WB2ZLF Bell Labs (Ho)