Cell Phones

["Tom Waters" <tom@tomwaters.net>]

Title: Message

Good morning America...

 

I am sure there is a program out there that has run across a federal document, and/or obtained an STC-type authorization and/or has a policy and/or statement from your aviation vendor on the useage of cellphones in the aircraft.

As we all know, under "normal" circumstances, their use is expressly forbidden.  But, In the FAA's statements (which I cannot find, and am asking for a reference here...) is the loophole that they can be used in "emergency" situations.

 

I need the definition of "emergency" , if there is one, ie: mechanical, or is an air ambulance exempt, or exempt when the pt. crumps, etc.

I would like any referrals to websites, emails of policies, or letters, etc.

 

I've worked in rural and urban settings, and cellphone use continues to be VERY necessary from time to time.  A major metropolitan city's primary trauma receiving hospital just changed their radio system, and now virtually no-one can talk to them, so the phone is our only option, and primary backup for the rest of the planet. 

I have been tasked to find a "permission slip" so to speak, so some of our pilots will feel better, and we can guide our vendor to create corporate policy for their programs nation-wide.

 

Thanks in advance, and hey, post public, as it will benefit us all, I am sure.

 

Fly Safe, and stay cool  (ie: stay away from Texas right now...)

 

Tom Waters

STAT Air / Care