FAA to study use of passenger electronics, but it’ll take months; cellphones still out

It’s going to be a while before U.S. airline passengers can use iPads and other electronic devices during the whole flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it’s forming a committee to study the issue. But its plan suggests the committee’s work won’t be done until March at the earliest.

The committee will give a recommendation to the FAA, which will make the final decision about any changes. The FAA says allowing cellphone use during flights isn’t under consideration.

Airlines currently ban electronic devices until the plane reaches 10,000 feet. They have to be put away before landing, too.

In March, the FAA raised hopes that it might loosen rules for electronic devices by saying it would study ways to test them.

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