What guidelines does the FOM provide regarding personal electronic devices during flight?

The guidelines outlined in the Flight Operations Manual (FOM) concerning personal electronic devices emphasize the importance of ensuring safety and minimizing potential distractions during critical phases of flight. During critical phases, such as takeoff and landing, the use of personal electronic devices must be curtailed to prevent interference with cockpit instruments and ensure that crew members remain attentive to their duties.

Setting devices to airplane mode or turning them off altogether helps to eliminate any risks associated with electronic interference as well as reducing distractions for both the crew and passengers. This is a standard protocol observed across the aviation industry aimed at safeguarding against any potential hazards that might arise from the use of these devices during the most vulnerable stages of flight.

Thus, following these procedures is crucial to maintaining a safe flying environment, explaining why these specific guidelines are established in the FOM.