Progress in usage of portable electronic devices on aircraft, an overview

These days, passengers can use their portable electronic devices (PEDs) in more and more aircraft. Even in those aircraft, where less than 5 years ago this was strictly forbidden. It is safe to say, that with respect to EMC neither the aircraft nor the portable devices have changed much in the last 5 years. So why can authorities and industry now accept, what was inacceptable for such a long time? The answer is that experience, understanding and knowledge have increased since the first regulation on airborne PED use. The leading experts of aviation industry and aviation authorities have recently come together and pooled up all their experience. The result is a simple set of requirements that define an aircraft “PED-tolerant”. This paper explains those requirements, the background and history.