GM2 SAO.GEN.145 Portable electronic devices
ED
Decision 2019/001/R
(a) PEDs can pose a risk of interference with
electronically operated sailplane systems. Those systems could range from the
electronic engine control, instruments, navigation or communication equipment
to any other type of avionic equipment on the sailplane. The interference can
result in on-board systems malfunctioning or providing misleading information
and communication disturbance. These can also lead to an increased workload
for the flight crew.
(b) Interference may be caused by transmitters
being part of the PED’s functionality or by unintentional transmissions from
the PED. Due to the likely proximity of the PED to any electronically operated
sailplane system and the generally limited shielding found in sailplanes, the
risk of interference is to be considered higher than that for larger aircraft
with metal airframes.
(c) During certification of the sailplane,
when qualifying the sailplane functions, consideration may only have been made
of short-term exposure to a high-radiating field, with an acceptable
mitigating measure being a return to normal function after removal of the
threat. This certification assumption may not be true when operating the
transmitting PED on board the sailplane.
(d) It has been found that compliance with
electromagnetic compatibility provisions and related European standards, as
indicated by the CE marking, is not sufficient to exclude the existence of
interference. A well-known interference is the demodulation of the transmitted
signal from GSM (global system for mobile communications) mobile phones
leading to audio disturbances in other systems. Similar interferences are
difficult to predict during the PED design, and protecting the sailplane’s
electronic systems against the full range of potential interferences is
practically impossible. Therefore, not operating PEDs on board the sailplane
is the safest option, especially as effects may not be identified immediately
but under the most inconvenient circumstances.
(e) Guidance to follow in case of fire caused
by PEDs is provided by the latest effective edition of the International Civil
Aviation Organization, ‘Emergency response guidance for aircraft incidents
involving dangerous goods’, ICAO Doc 9481-AN/928.
Sailplane aviation regulations advise against using portable electronic devices (PEDs) due to potential interference with sensitive electronic systems. Sailplanes have limited shielding, increasing interference risks, even if devices have CE marking. Interference can cause malfunctions, communication issues, and increased workload. The safest option is to avoid PED use onboard. Fire incidents involving PEDs should follow ICAO emergency guidelines.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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