Originally Posted by AIRcop
Is there any scientific evidence or emperical credible data that really shows that any electronic device 'may interefere' with the aircrafts instruments? Or, are all these rules to keep junk out of your hands and laps in case of an emergency? If its really the latter, why can't they just say this. If there isn't any former, for example, why lie?
Of course things like cell phones can interfere with aircraft instruments. Lay your cell phone on top of your television and watch what happens (it's unlikely, but don't blame me if it toasts it). So, don't lay your cell phone on the compass or GPS receiver of the airplane you are flying on. Doesn't seem to cause much problem if it is more than a few feet from the electronics.
Once, I was flying Harbor Airlines and we were flying SEA-FRD (do you know that airport code, Cholula?) and some guy was talking on his phone and telling the other party that he had to go because we were leaving. The pilot told him to just keep talking and he did until about 10 minutes into the flight.