Cellular Phone and 3G Internet Usage Aboard Private Aircraft and the FAR's?

Assume a private aircraft, operating under part 91 or 135, or 121 for that matter, where in the FAR's is cellular communication voice or data usage in flight discussed? I don't see anything in FAA regulations that prohibits the use of a cellular phone, or a cellular data device aboard the airplane. Am I missing something in the FAR's? The most I can find is some fairly new FCC rule, but don't know where to find that. Maybe the FCC has a problem with it. If so, I want to see the rules.





If you want to cite interference with airborne navigational and communication equipment, please show me any proof such interference ever had any effect on any avionics. I don't think there is any FAA rule prohibiting cellular use, either for voice or data. I have never experienced any avionics anomalies





I want to build a netbook based GPS mapping EFB (electronic flight bag) with internet access over normal, terrestrial 3G GSM, and/or TDMA networks and get my weather over the internet, rather than getting an expensive XM WX Bluetooth receiver and subscription.





So, who's gonna bust me and under what regulation, if I use an EFB that connects to cellular 3G while airborne?|||It is quite legal to use a cell phone on a private aircraft, my headset even has a plug for my cell phone.





You can give me all the thumbs down you want, but in Canada it is NOT illegal to use a cell phone in a private aircraft!|||The FAA doesn't make rules for cell phone usage. The FCC does, however, and prohibit use of cell phones in aircraft.


The only caveat I can find on 3g(or any electronic device) usage is it must be tested and certified that it will not cause interference to your aircraft instruments.|||Generally, private aircraft operate under part 91. Part 135/121 operations are a different kettle of fish (see the last point of 14CFR91.21 at the bottom of this posting)





As you already know, you get more cell RF from the towers than your phone produces. And then there is all the broadcast stations that surround aviation comm/nav frequencies.





Meanwhile, I have been forced to use a cell phone while in flight -- When the radios fail and you are in the soup, you do what you have to do.





So, going back to the 14CFR91.21 wording take note of (b) (5) which allows the PIC to allow the use of cellphone, etc., if the Operator [not exactly the same as PIC] has determined that those devices are not interfering with navigation/communications:





(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--


(1) Portable voice recorders;


(2) Hearing aids;


(3) Heart pacemakers;


(4) Electric shavers; or





(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 a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that 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.|||If you're just trying to impress us with how smart you think you are... I really don't care!





I don't understand why you idiots continue to pursue this line of questions. Use of a cellular telephone while the aircraft is in flight is clearly a violation of FAA and FCC rules. Nuf said!





If you want to change the law, then hire a lawyer and take it up with the FAA and FCC, But stop jamming up bandwidth on this forum arguing about a subject you just can't do anything about.