Minn. Senators Praise Senate Aviation Bill Passage
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- Minnesota Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar are praising Senate passage of a broad aviation bill.
Franken and Klobuchar, both Democrats, had championed a proposal included in the bill to ban pilots from using personal electronic devices such as laptop computers.
The proposed ban originated after a Northwest Airlines flight overshot its Minneapolis destination by 150 miles in 2009. The pilots say they were engrossed in a crew-scheduling program on their laptop computers.
Franken say pilots "really have to have their focus on their jobs." The provision has exceptions for necessary operation of the plane and emergencies.
Klobuchar says the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill upgrades air traffic control technology and improves passengers' rights.
The Senate approved the bill 87-8 Thursday. A similar bill cleared a House committee this week.
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