Originally Posted by metsfan1962
What really appears crazy is the prohibition on wireless equipment while taxiing. Will the pilot crash into the terminal building (like in the movie Airplane) if I have my MP3 player on? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
I had an f/a mention to me one time that it's about a one in a [insert large number here] chance that something would interfere with the aircraft equipment to cause a problem, but do you really want to be on that one?
I think the rule really stays in place for a different reason. Back in the day I'm sure the electronic equipment gave off a lot more interference, but these days it's to make sure people are paying attention in case of emergency during takeoff. If people are busy listening to their music players, then they're not properly watching if there's irregular operations during the takeoff or landing.