Cell Phone Use
Jun 6, 2009 | 1:32 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 304
Whether it's a typo or not, it has no relation to the FAA reg.
The reg that applies is in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 91.21, Portable electronic devices.
91.21 completely prohibits the use of portable electronic devices, without regard to altitude. However, it does have an exception - if the operator or pilot in command determines that a device can be used w/o interference to aircraft systems. If an operator has made a non-interference determination, maybe they put in an altitude restriction so as not to "tempt the fates."
The reg that applies is in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 91.21, Portable electronic devices.
91.21 completely prohibits the use of portable electronic devices, without regard to altitude. However, it does have an exception - if the operator or pilot in command determines that a device can be used w/o interference to aircraft systems. If an operator has made a non-interference determination, maybe they put in an altitude restriction so as not to "tempt the fates."
Jun 6, 2009 | 1:43 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Just to point out:
Most models of Blackberry have a mode that emits no RF - the so-called "airplane mode" (really it's an RF-off mode, but same difference). You can use the blackberry much as a computer - read emails that have already downloaded and draft new emails that will be sent when you're on the ground and RF is turned back on. That's allowed on virtually all flights once use of electronic devices is permitteed.
Further, most new models of blackberry will operate WiFi - which is now available on many flights. Again, perfectly allowed use.
So, I would not be to concerned about someone typing on a blackberry during flight. And I would certainly take exception to a busybody fellow passenger that elected to make a stink without understanding how these things can work.
JMHO.
Most models of Blackberry have a mode that emits no RF - the so-called "airplane mode" (really it's an RF-off mode, but same difference). You can use the blackberry much as a computer - read emails that have already downloaded and draft new emails that will be sent when you're on the ground and RF is turned back on. That's allowed on virtually all flights once use of electronic devices is permitteed.
Further, most new models of blackberry will operate WiFi - which is now available on many flights. Again, perfectly allowed use.
So, I would not be to concerned about someone typing on a blackberry during flight. And I would certainly take exception to a busybody fellow passenger that elected to make a stink without understanding how these things can work.
JMHO.
Jun 7, 2009 | 12:54 pm
#18
Suspended
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I'd prefer that you keep your bloody cell phone off for the duration of the flight. In truth, I'd be happy to watch you throw it on the tarmac and stomp on it.
Yes, I am one of the few Americans who (gasp) does not have a cell phone. And my life is every bit as rich in spite of this.
Yes, I am one of the few Americans who (gasp) does not have a cell phone. And my life is every bit as rich in spite of this.
Jun 7, 2009 | 6:16 pm
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2004
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I've never heard of 1,000 ft on a short-haul (typo?) -
Most of my short-haul flights still go above 10,000 ft and often cruise around 20,000-29,000 ft as they're all pressurized aircraft whether it is a Dash-8/Saab-340 (or other turbo prop) or a regional jet of some type.
Most of my short-haul flights still go above 10,000 ft and often cruise around 20,000-29,000 ft as they're all pressurized aircraft whether it is a Dash-8/Saab-340 (or other turbo prop) or a regional jet of some type.
Some I can think of (some of which are defunct now, but were around a year or two ago):
- BLF-BKW (34 miles; BLF no longer gets commercial service, but when it did, that was a fun flight--you could look out the cockpit from row 1 or 2 on the B1900)
- ORF-PHF (something like 17 miles; US used to operate this once a week with a Dash8, but it's defunct now, I believe)
- CKB-MGW (this was a US EAS route, something like 20 miles; at one point, it continued on to nearby PIT, but if it's still in service I believe it goes to IAD now)
Most of the other short hauls I've taken do get up over 10k feet, though; even SFO-SMF and SFO-MRY on EMB120s go above 10k feet IIRC.
Jun 7, 2009 | 6:20 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ewr,swf,fll
Posts: 835
lol. true. i love the losers who bring the laptop into, say, a hooters. big deals goin on baby! better have the phone in the ear and the laptop goin...
Jun 7, 2009 | 6:29 pm
#21
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