Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 10/15/2008

Question
My mom is a 4th grade teacher, and one of her students mom sent a note about the FAA Regulations about flying.  She informed her that there is a new rule about flying and that it is  She is not allowed to read or have any books while flying in an aircraft.  We were wondering if that is true.  Please write me back as soon as possible.  

THank you.

Answer
HI Kelsey,
  I am not aware on this rule.  I am an air traffic controller, not a pilot.  I am sure that reading books and magazines while flying an a airplane would be a distraction and could lead to an unsafe operation.  I supervise a number of air traffic controllers and we do not allow them to read books or magazines while working the sector.  We want their full attention on doing their job of separating airplanes.  Pilots, just like controllers, need to be fully aware of what is going on all the time.  

I'm sure that the note that one of your students mother received was intended for the pilots of the aircraft and not the passengers in the back.

If you have any further questions you can contact me at;

Dacus@iwon.com

I hope this helps

Good luck.

Dacus Grant