Armstrong Aerospace expects US demand for gate-to-gate PED usage to go global

Nov. 19, 2013
PED usage is set to go global

With other aviation authorities poised to follow the FAA's example, gate-to-gate PED usage is set to go global, says Rob Abbinante, CEO of global avionics integrator Armstrong Aerospace of Chicago, USA.

Rob said "The FAA's report that enables gate-to-gate PED usage is a game-changer for airlines. The challenge still remains for each airline to receive regulatory approval for PED usage during all phases of flight including Cat I, II and III landings.”

According to Abbinante, the keys to fast compliance for airlines are a full-spectrum approach to testing and an extensive database of tested aircraft types.

He concluded "The FAA has reduced the regulatory barriers required to secure approval for gate to gate PED usage, in return for demonstrating compliance with DO-307 through a complex testing process. US airlines are taking advantage of this, as we know from the volume of enquiries we’re handling successfully. And it looks like EASA will follow suit very soon.”

Armstrong Aerospace is the industry leader in the field of PED usage and wireless certification on board commercial airlines, and pioneered STC T-PED certification approval. The company has performed T-PED testing on all major aircraft make and models and has tested more than 2000 pieces of equipment for compatibility.

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Notes to Editors

Earlier this year the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formed a PED ARC (Aviation Rulemaking Committee) comprised of industry stakeholders to recommend how airlines could safely expand the use of PEDs onboard. The ARC recommended and the FAA concurred that if the aircraft is shown to be PED-tolerant then PED operation is possible in all phases of flight (gate-to-gate operation).

Airlines may now evaluate their aircraft against RTCA DO-307 and submit the results to the agency to show compliance.

Drafted in 2007, and recognized by the FAA in 2010 by advisory circular AC 20-164, DO-307 describes an acceptable means for designing and demonstrating aircraft tolerance to potential electromagnetic interference from PEDs.

Armstrong Aerospace Inc.

Armstrong Aerospace has many years of experience of installing and certifying WiFi and in-seat power systems and other avionics upgrades for in-flight entertainment (IFE) and flight-safety systems

Armstrong Aerospace provides its customers with turnkey design solutions that result in lower cost kits, shorter installation time and a favorable approval process. Services are tailored to meet customers’ specific needs, from which a matching installation kit with FAA certification can be engineered. The company also has the capability to provide foreign certification approval (EASA, CASA, CAAC, JCAB, CTA, etc.).