Wi-Fi in the sky may be on the way, but don"t look for it anytime soon.
Using the wireless functions common on a variety of devices--such as notebooks, PDAs, and mobile phones--is banned on airplanes due to concerns that they emit radio waves that could interfere with the plane"s communication and navigation systems. But that ban could be overturned.
An advisory committee to the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to present its recommendations on the use of wireless devices on airplanes before next summer. The report from the RTCA (formerly the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) could open the door to in-flight use of wireless devices. The committee is composed of accident investigators and representatives from electronics and aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and avionics manufacturers.