The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the 28th of August, issued draft rules for Indian aviation services and domestic flights.
One such rule is the permitting of Wi-Fi connectivity on portable electronic devices (PEDs) like laptops and mobiles.
However, internet services 10,000 feet above sea level would be provided only if PEDs are in aeroplane/flight mode.
According to the new draft issued by the DGCA, airline operators need to carry out a risk assessment of the portable electronic devices capable of using in-flight Wi-Fi.
The risk assessment by the airline would mention the hazards associated with PEDs in different aircraft zones, during various phases of flight and turbulence.
The Wi-Fi connectivity would be available for passengers after departure till the arrival.
However, the pilots of the flight would be able to control the status of the internet connectivity and would have access to turn it off, if the passenger violates any of the rules.
On the other hand, cabin crew would also keep an eye on passengers to ensure they do not violate any rules.
The DGCA also stated, electronic devices which are not “intentional transmitters” of radio signals like portable voice records, electronic entertainment devices, and electric shavers will not be used by any person on board the flight, take off, climb out, descent, final approach and landing phases of the flight.
In addition, the DGCA also asked the airlines to put a no fly list for those not wearing face masks or violating any of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 guidelines while traveling.
The aviation watchdog DGCA said, “If passengers are not wearing masks during the flight and violate the set COVID-19 guidelines, then put them on the No-fly list after an airline assessment.”
Regarding face mask usage, a senior official of the DGCA said, “…facemask during air travel. All passengers can remove facemask only for genuine or legitimate reasons, like drinking water and having food. If the cabin crew or flight commander finds that an air passenger does not intentionally wear a face mask and poses a threat to other passengers, such reckless air passengers will be put on the no-fly list.”
With all these updates on rules and Standard of Operation, the Civil Aviation Services would operate in India.
Stay tuned for further updates.
