American Airlines Okays iPads in Cockpit

Passengers still can't use devices at takeoff

Published December 14, 2011 12:00AM

American Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will allow pilots to use iPads for navigation and flight instructions during takeoff and landing. The devices will replace 35 pounds of books and maps that pilots must otherwise store in the cockpit. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the decision after testing for potential electronic interference since June. Passengers, however, still can only use electronic mid-flight or while the plane is stationary. Allowing pilots to use iPads, the FAA said in a statement, “involves a significantly different scenario for potential interference than unlimited passenger use, which could involve dozens or even hundreds of devices at the same time.”