FAA puts pressure on airlines to limit pilot distractions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are pushing airlines to include policies and training relating to in-flight distractions.  A significant amount of media interest has focsed on this topic following a Northwest jet that, last year, overshot its destination by more than 100 miles as the Captain and First Officer were using their laptops in the cockpit.

Any new measures would be in addition to the 'Sterile Cockpit Rule' that already exists for all critical phases of flight.  When a sterile cockpit is in force crew members are to refrain from any non-essential activities or conversation. 

However, the FAA wants to encourage airlines to "create a top-to-bottom expectation that safety will be taken seriously" said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  As part of this increased safety awareness an emphasis should be put on eliminating distractions in the cockpit.

An 'Information for Operators' was released by the FAA that asks the airlines to address the issue of cockpit distractions with through specific training programs.  It is hoped this will create a clearer safety culture that gives pilots the guidance and expectations to allow them to limit distractions.