In aviation, the sterile cockpit or sterile flight deck rule refers to the fact that, upon critical phases of a flight, such as takeoff and landing, it is forbidden to talk about anything that isn't directly related to the takeoff or landing, in order to help prevents mistakes and mishaps. "In the United States, the [Federal Aviation Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration "Federal Aviation Administration") (FAA) imposed the rule in 1981, after reviewing a series of accidents that were caused by flight crews who were distracted from their flying duties by engaging in non-essential conversations and activities during critical parts of the flight."