Hurricanes admit using transmitting devices up in the air

KATIE KENNY
Last updated 15:22, July 18 2016



Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd reveals some of his players watched a Super Rugby livestream while in-flight.

Hurricanes players breached in-flight rules in the excitement following their weekend win.

The Lions' shock loss to the Jaguares at the weekend meant the Wellington-based team gained top spot on the Super Rugby ladder.

The team were flying home from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday - after beating the Crusaders on Saturday night - when the Lions result came through.

Talking to media at Wellington airport, coach Chris Boyd said: "Probably broke aeroplane protocol but somebody was watching it [the game] on their phone till three minutes to the end and we lost reception somewhere up in the air."

While electronic devices in "airplane mode" are able to be used for the duration of some Air New Zealand flights, using a transmitting device may be a breach of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.

A Hurricanes spokesman said the team travels a lot and takes CAA rules seriously.

"We will be issuing a reminder to all of our players and staff saying they need to put their phones on in-flight mode.

"They'll get a reminder today."

A CAA spokesman said in New Zealand, in practical terms, civil aviation rule 91.7 (a) prohibits use of transmitting portable electronic devices. Offenders breaching the rules are liable on conviction to a fine of $2500.

However, an airline can apply to CAA for an exemption if they can prove the operation of the devices does not compromise the aircraft safety.

In such an event, the airline will have its own policies around device use which passengers are obliged to follow.

It's unclear if this is the case with Air New Zealand, which has not responded to requests for comment.

The Hurricanes will not need to fly for their next game - last weekend's results mean they play at home against the Sharks on Saturday night.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-up-in-the-air