FAR 91.21 — Portable Electronic Devices
FAR 91.21 explains when portable electronic devices can be used on U.S. civil aircraft, including IFR rules, exceptions, and PIC responsibilities.
FAR 91.21 restricts the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) on certain U.S.-registered civil aircraft. The rule applies to:
- Aircraft operated by an air carrier or holder of an operating certificate, and
- Any other aircraft operated under IFR.
If you're flying VFR in a typical Part 91 GA aircraft, this rule does not restrict PED use at all.
The restriction does not apply to:
- Portable voice recorders
- Hearing aids
- Heart pacemakers
- Electric shavers
- Any other PED the operator has determined will not interfere with the aircraft's navigation or communication systems.
For air carriers, the operator must make the no-interference determination. For other aircraft (like a Part 91 IFR flight), the pilot in command or operator may make that call.
This matters operationally because stray RF emissions from phones, tablets, or other electronics can disrupt VOR, GPS, or comm radios — exactly the systems you depend on most in IMC. Before allowing a PED in flight, the PIC needs to be confident it won't degrade those systems.