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I am an electronics engineer and electronics enthusiast with the desire to monitor different parameters at different times.

I've created a small X-Y-Z planes accelerometer, which I would like to take to the airplane to measure accelerations during takeoff and landing.

May I have any kind of problems carrying this item on the plane, for which I will add a switch and a 9V battery?

What are actual regulations about DIY electronics? I know you can carry a laptop, tablet, phone, camera, etc., but DIY?

PS: Would it make easier to carry if I'd put it into a 3D-printed case?

PS2: I forgot to mention it, I'm flying inside the EU with Ryanair and Easyjet.

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  • flying inside Europe
    – Jakey
    Apr 17, 2018 at 10:21
  • I flew with DIY kits from china to EU. They didn't ask any question but they were very strict with batteries. It would be good if you keep the label from kit manufacturer which describes the kit.
    – N Randhawa
    Apr 17, 2018 at 10:43

2 Answers 2

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There aren't any regulations I know of specifically covering bringing DIY electronics (it would be a weird thing to make a regulation about). I've carried them many times, and only had something inspected once: They swabbed it with an explosive detection swab, waited for the beep, and let me go on my way.

Actually using such a thing on a plane may be different. I'm gonna go waaaay out on a limb and guess that you haven't subjected that thing to EMF testing.

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  • Nope, didn't. But still, since it doesn't have a transmitter/receiver, why would it be under question?
    – Jakey
    Apr 17, 2018 at 10:08
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    Every electronic circuit with active components is a transmitter. The question is, is it the sort of transmitter that could interfere with the plane's communication or navigation systems.
    – Sneftel
    Apr 17, 2018 at 10:24
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    I suggest reading UNDERSTANDING THE FCC REGULATIONS FOR COMPUTERS AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES. In its terms, most of the devices airlines have approved for use in flight are Class B devices. The development process for computers includes testing according to the Class A or Class B standards.
    – Patricia Shanahan
    Apr 17, 2018 at 10:54
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    @Jakey: Unless you have tested the device for RF noise you don't know whether it will interfere with the plane's systems if you power it up. And even if you have tested it, the crew still won't know that, as long as the test hasn't been signed off by a qualified laboratory.
    – hmakholm left over Monica
    Apr 17, 2018 at 12:27
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    @Jakey: I would be surprised if you're allowed to use custom electronics on the plane. If you get things aboard the plane by fraud like you describe, you'd probably be risking at criminal charges for knowingly jeopardizing safety, rather than just getting told to power it down.
    – hmakholm left over Monica
    Apr 17, 2018 at 13:54
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You will definitely not be allowed to use your custom device on your Easyjet flight. They list what can be used, and specifically say that devices without a "Flight Safe" mode must be switched off.

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