FAA reconsiders limits on consumer electronics in the sky

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• An FAA review could lead to increased use of consumer electronics in aircraft cabins
• The study will not consider use of cell phones for voice communications in flight
• Cell phones are banned by the Federal Communications Commission -- not by the FAA
• The FCC ban is because of potential interference to wireless networks on the ground

Washington (CNN) -- Will the familiar warning for airline passengers to "discontinue the use of all portable electronic devices" become a relic of the past?

Perhaps.

By popular demand, the Federal Aviation Administration is forming a group to study policies governing the use of consumer electronics in the sky.

The review could lead to increased use of iPads, portable DVD players and other consumer electronics in aircraft cabins.

But don't pull out your cell phone yet.

Standby travel: Not for the faint of heart

The new group will not consider the use of cell phones for voice communications while in flight. That's because cell phones are banned by the Federal Communications Commission -- not by the FAA -- over concerns of potential interference to wireless networks on the ground.

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