Luke: If pilots can use iPads in flight, why can’t I?

There’s nothing worse than having to turn off your iPhone before takeoff, especially when you’re on your personal best level of Angry Birds.

So you have to wonder the reaction now that the FAA has cleared American Airlines to allow their use even during takeoff and landing.

Unfortunately for Alec Baldwin (and Luke), the rest of us will still have to keep them powered down until the captain gives the go ahead.

Listener Mike writes in:

“If pilots are allowed to use iPads in cockpits, surely it’s safe for Luke to listen to Counting Crows on takeoff.”

Luke couldn’t agree more.

“The fact that the pilots of the airplane who are sitting right next to all of this sensitive communication equipment are allowed now to use iPads while the plane is taking off and the fact that I am not allowed to listen to my music on my iPod or have my iPad out 35 rows away from where this is happening, it is so ridiculous.”

According to the NY Times, the devices will replace the thick flight manuals previously carried by pilots. Pilots from American and other airlines including Alaska have been using them in place of paper for months.

The FAA says months of study have proven the use of iPads during takeoff and landing pose no safety risk. But pilots will still have to keep them in airplane mode (which deactivates the iPad phone radio) during the entire flight.

Luke hopes it’s the beginning of the end and admits he’s been conducting his own personal safety tests for years, listening to music on takeoff and landing despite government regulations.

“Haven’t brought a plane down yet,” he brags.