DGCA allows use of mobiles by passengers

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended the Rule 29B of Aircraft Rules to provide for the use of the cellular phones by passengers after the aircraft has landed and cleared the active runway, except in cases when the Low Visibility conditions exist at the airport.

For the compliance of the amended requirement, the procedure suggested is that the Pilot in Command(PIC), having cleared the active runway after landing with no other runway/ intersections to cross, in visual flight conditions when the PIC is comfortable, will intimate the Cabin Crew Incharge on the Intercom to make the announcement for the passengers for the use of the cellular phone.

The Cabin Crew Incharge or the designated cabin crew will an announcement-?Passengers are advised that the use of mobile phones after landing is now allowed. Aircraft has left the active runway and has slowed down, Passengers may use their mobile phones now.?

The above procedure may be adopted by the airlines at the earliest and not later than October 22.