Wireless mouse not permitted in flight?
#17
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
I don't know... That keyboard looks like a dream to type on... Though I suspect you'd wake people up an a redeye typing on that and connecting to gogo might be problematic.
#18
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
Bluetooth and WiFi (802.11b/g) use the same frequencies. So if the aircraft is has certified WiFi on board, it's effectively been certified for BT as well. On the other hand, never argue with Flight Attendant logic. Never worth it.
#19
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Nashua, NH USA
Programs: Seashore Trolley Museum "flight attendant"
Posts: 1,991
I use a wireless mouse at home and, when listening to some radio stations, I hear "sshhhah, shhahh" sounds as I move the mouse. The radio was about six feet away.
So yes, a wireless mouse can give off radio frequencies strong enough to cause interference with avionics.
So yes, a wireless mouse can give off radio frequencies strong enough to cause interference with avionics.
#20
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Is your radio hardened against electromagnetic interference to the same standards as avionics? And do you typically sit 6 feet away from the cockpit panel while flying?
#21
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,690
Come on guys get with it The only reason Cell phones are not allowed is because they cause multiple cell sites on the ground to think your cell phone is closest at the same time. Cell phones do not cause avionic issues. Unbelievable flyertalk members fall for these excuses created by the FCC/FAA/airlines. Do some basic research on how cell sites work and you will understand.
#22
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Why are you bringing up cell phones when this thread is about a wireless mouse?
#23
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
I am surprised to hear that the policy has changed. AA changed the manual in late 2014 or early 2015 to allow the use of wireless mice when over 10,000'. I saw it with my own eyes in the FA manual. See my post in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...aa-manual.html
Since the OP said that the FA showed the passenger something on their device that confirms the ban, I assume the policy was changed again.
It's been a moot point for me, as I never started using a wireless mouse again. I'd been losing them about 4X per year, and since I switched back to wired, I've not lost a mouse since.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...aa-manual.html
Since the OP said that the FA showed the passenger something on their device that confirms the ban, I assume the policy was changed again.
It's been a moot point for me, as I never started using a wireless mouse again. I'd been losing them about 4X per year, and since I switched back to wired, I've not lost a mouse since.
#24
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#25
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The sole issue at the time for OP is "was this a lawful crewmember order." If it was, then obey it. If it was not, defy it if you wish. There are courts and judges to determine those sorts of things. It just gets unpleasant in the interim.
Alternatively, obey the order, lawful or not and on arrival complain to DOT and to AA that its employees are engaging in unlawful conduct or that AA itself has incorrectly evaluated the risks posed by the technology. You may also choose to fly other carriers until the policy changes.
Displaying your superior tech skills is not helpful.
Alternatively, obey the order, lawful or not and on arrival complain to DOT and to AA that its employees are engaging in unlawful conduct or that AA itself has incorrectly evaluated the risks posed by the technology. You may also choose to fly other carriers until the policy changes.
Displaying your superior tech skills is not helpful.
#26
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Come on guys get with it The only reason Cell phones are not allowed is because they cause multiple cell sites on the ground to think your cell phone is closest at the same time. Cell phones do not cause avionic issues. Unbelievable flyertalk members fall for these excuses created by the FCC/FAA/airlines. Do some basic research on how cell sites work and you will understand.
#27
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: US, AA, Delta, BA, Hilton, Marriot, HYATT
Posts: 433
I think it would be delightful to use gogo on it. The speed of gogo and the speed of that laptop certainly match.
#28
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,690
This entire bunch of excrement started because of cell phone ground network problems and the under guise of aircraft avionic problems. Bluetooth is active on planes during flight all over the place and there is no way they can shut it all down from phones, computers, headphones, etc. No in flight avionic instrument caused accidents have been proven to date.