LAUTENBERG CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO BAN LAPTOPS IN AIRPLANE COCKPITS

LAUTENBERG CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO BAN LAPTOPS IN AIRPLANE COCKPITS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security, today co-sponsored legislation that would prohibit the use of laptop computers and other personal electronic devices in airline cockpits.  The legislation, which was introduced today, follows questions raised by Senator Lautenberg regarding the use of electronic devices in cockpits during a recent hearing with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

"Distracted flying is a recipe for disaster," stated Sen. Lautenberg.  "Our bill would reduce distractions in the cockpit and help air carriers provide greater safety assurances to air travelers.  With the growing use of portable electronic devices, it is critical that Congress step-up and crack down on dangers that confront our transportation network."

The legislation allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to suspend or revoke a pilot's certificate or impose civil penalties for a violation.  It also gives the FAA appropriate discretion to address issues related to changing technology or identifying any potential unintended consequences of the ban. 

Sen. Lautenberg, a leader in the effort to crack down on distracted driving, recently introduced legislation with Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV) to address the use of electronic devices in both passenger and commercial vehicles.  

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