Why is the issue with electronic devices being on?
Jan 7, 2011, 6:04 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
There are some very strict rules and a lot of testing before a component or sub-system can be added to an aircraft avionics package.
The biggest issue is that the use of consumer electronic devices has not been tested to ensure non-interferance with the aircraft installed avionics systems. These systems very with each aircraft and have to be confirmed even within each operator.
Guess we should blame Blackberry (Insert appropiate vendor here) for not paying for the appropiate testing that their devices do not interfere with a specific carrier / aircraft model avionics configuration.
Flight Mechanic
The biggest issue is that the use of consumer electronic devices has not been tested to ensure non-interferance with the aircraft installed avionics systems. These systems very with each aircraft and have to be confirmed even within each operator.
Guess we should blame Blackberry (Insert appropiate vendor here) for not paying for the appropiate testing that their devices do not interfere with a specific carrier / aircraft model avionics configuration.
Flight Mechanic
Jan 7, 2011, 6:06 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
Not being able to use your cell phone is probably more of an inconvenience, but there's reason to believe that phones in flight will interfere with the operation of the ground network because they can "see" more cells than the system was designed for. Flights that allow cell phones have their own cell site, so the phone isn't trying to connect to the ground stations.
Jan 7, 2011, 6:16 pm
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
The airline could fine people who are walking around when the seatbelt sign is on too. Or getting up too soon to get something out of the overhead bin. Or not putting the seat in the upright position. They're all for your safety. Do you really want fines for everything?
Again, my point is.. Rules are useless unless they are enforced.
Jan 7, 2011, 6:24 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: AA, 1.5MM, GE
Posts: 213
This has been my whine all along... Rare is the flight when I don't see someone blatantly ignoring the electronic devices rule with their phone/computer/ipod and that is regardless of class of service, airline or time of day. Only once has a FA said anything to the offender and that was as we were on the taxi way about to make the turn to take off!
Jan 7, 2011, 7:45 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Mainly because of this attitude, from the Wikipedia page:
This is, of course, not true - all risk can be avoided simply by not allowing the airplanes to take off.
About having other (besides phones) devices turned off so that people pay attention to safety announcements, that's also why you're not allowed to sleep during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
The regulatory agencies and aviation industry take the position that any increased risk is unacceptable if it is avoidable.
About having other (besides phones) devices turned off so that people pay attention to safety announcements, that's also why you're not allowed to sleep during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
Jan 8, 2011, 7:45 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Programs: Delta DM, Continental PE
Posts: 230
SR
Jan 9, 2011, 2:36 am
#23
Join Date: May 2005
Location: various cities in the USofA: NYC, BWI, IAH, ORD, CVG, NYC
Programs: Former UA 1K, National Exec. Elite
Posts: 5,485
The other issue people are missing is this: during take-off and landing people need to be more attentive in case emergencies happen. If the plane blows a tire or aborts take off or landing people need to be able to brace themselves for any emergency maneuvers.
I've been on flights with aborted landings and let me tell you I'm glad I was paying attention as the plane jerked rather hard.
I've been on flights with aborted landings and let me tell you I'm glad I was paying attention as the plane jerked rather hard.
Jan 9, 2011, 10:26 am
#24
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Programs: Delta DM, Continental PE
Posts: 230
Electronics are prohibited at certain times because it is possible that they can interfere with the aircraft's systems. Taxi, takeoff, landing, and operations below 10,000 feet are considered "sterile" by the FAA and only certain things (electronics, seatbelts, conversation in the cockpit, etc.) are allowed during these phases of flight.
Anything that uses electricity generates radio noise. Even "non-transmitting" devices generate radio noise.
SR
Jan 9, 2011, 8:00 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Jan 10, 2011, 10:47 pm
#26
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Programs: Delta DM, Continental PE
Posts: 230
SR
Jan 11, 2011, 9:45 pm
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 334
The question was specifically NOT about cell phones but other electronic devices like iPODs.
Most crashed happen on takeoff and approach to landing. That is, the planes were below 10k feet. The FAA's goal is to minimize any variables that people have to deal with. That includes doing all they can to make sure any electronics that could cause a problem are turned off and people are paying attention.
Nonsense (or perhaps only in a world where rule makers make rules logically). Otherwise sleeping or reading the airlines' magazines, books, etc. would be prohibited.
Jan 13, 2011, 1:07 am
#28
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 121
I am pretty sure out of 100 or 200 passengers, there a couple of souls with their mobile phone on. I guess this is the case for most flights...and guess what...nothing bad happens. I don't think there's a documented evidence that a mobile phone signal can interfere with aircraft own signal that it will make it crash or something to that effect.
Having said that, if its the rule then eevryone should follow it...but come to think of it..if its really that bad then they should make a point for each pasenger to turn off their phones before even boarding the plane.
Having said that, if its the rule then eevryone should follow it...but come to think of it..if its really that bad then they should make a point for each pasenger to turn off their phones before even boarding the plane.
Jan 13, 2011, 1:31 am
#29
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Flying Blue, easyJet Plus (!)
Posts: 1,762
The problem with some modern devices is that you can't necessarily turn them off anyway. The new iPod Nano doesn't appear to have a proper "off" option, only standby, and as you can't remove the battery the only way to turn it *off* is to run the battery down.
Neil
Jan 13, 2011, 3:02 pm
#30
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
The odds that someone will be killed or injured because he did not pay attention to a safety announcement because he was using an electronic device are astronomical. It's probably never happened.
QL
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