Today, the FAA is distributing an "Information for Operators" (InFO) guidance that asks the airlines to address distraction through crew training programs. It also asks that airlines create a safety culture to control cockpit distractions.

It's really very simple engaging in tasks not directly related to required flight duties, including using personal electronic devices, constitutes a safety risk. The FAA will not tolerate that and the flying public can't have it. They expect their pilots to focus on flying safely at all times and rightly so.

Ray LaHood said “in the past nine months, I have been on a tear, working to combat distracted driving in cars, in commercial trucks, in railroad locomotives, and in public transit. But the safety consequences of operator distraction in those vehicles pale in comparison to those of a commercial airliner”.

“Our aviation system has a terrific safety record, but we can only maintain that record by minimizing risk wherever possible, including in the cockpit”.

Today's "InFO" guidance makes clear that, as FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt says, “Every aviation professional needs to take distractions in the cockpit seriously.”   (see NW Airlines Flight 188 Pilots Unaware Of Aircraft Position)