FlyerTalk Forums - When did the 739 start service?

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RichG:
We've been round and round over cell phones in many threads on other forums, but the FAA does not have a ban on in-flight use of cell phones. It's the FCC's ban, and it's for very sound technical reasons which have nothing to do with the plane you're on. In addition, all airlines ban use in the plane while on the ground to some extent. Details vary, but typically if the cabin door is closed you can't use your phone.</font>

I believe the reason for the in-flight cell phone ban while on the ground is that it's much easier for the FA's to tell people to turn off their cell phones while they're walking around the cabin while taxiing than it is during take-off. Besides, the FA's must be seated during take-off, so actually taxi time is their only chance to enforce the rule (unfortunate that such a simple rule needs to be repeated to so many individual passengers!)

In the FAR's for seat belt usage, the FAA explains the reason for requiring seat belts while the plane is on the ground. It's easier for everyone to understand -- the door is either open or closed (door open: no seat belt; door closed: yes seat belt). It does add a tiny bit to safety, but they don't even mention that.