ihdihd

Although I agree with your second point in theory (yes there can be interference in close proximity), airlines will soon start offering micro-cell service on aircraft with little or non of this concern.

As for your example of interference while the cell phone is in the trunk. The interference was more likely actually between your cell phone in the trunk and your rear speakers (which are also mounted in the trunk of the car).

I'm not saying that if you put your cell phone on top of the GPS unit that it won't interfere, it most likely actually will (try putting any GSM or TDMA phone by a CRT beam monitor for an example), but the effective interference decreases exponentially as you move as little as one foot from the equipment.

Perhaps the rule in fact protects us by keeping pilots from keeping their phones on.... whether intentionally or not.

pushback

If there truly was a danger do you think they would let fools like us even carry them on board? They would be taken away at the security checkpoint along with the toothpaste.

That said, the PIC has the last word--which usually ties in with company policy.

It’s my understanding that the cell phone requirement is more of an FCC thing than an FAA one. At altitude the cell phone is line of site with multiple, and many, cell towers. It puts a load on the cell providers systems to have your cell phone asking for service from so many towers. So the FCC compensates for the poor design and radiation pattern of the cell providers architecture.

dcsnowwake

as a pilot, i frequently use my cell phone while flying. I have never had a problem with interference

westcoastman

What was the FA doing standing up while the plane is streaming down the runway? This seems far more dangerous for the FA and other passengers than the phone call. If you want to abort takeoff and arrest the PAX, fine, but don't stand up and wrestle away a phone during takeoff.

ihdihd

That seems wrong to me (if even possible)... Then again, i do remember hearing recently of a scandal where pilots were taking tests while flying. And from personal experience I've been invited into the cockpit on an international flight (into JFK) where the captain was in his pajamas, smoking a cigarette and drinking turkish coffee. We were flying over ireland from AMM to JFK in first on our honeymoon, and the pilot was resting in the middle section next to us for a part of the trip, then invited us to check it out...

zachary

You obviously don't hang out on the Travel Safety/Security. This thread is unbelievably tame compared to what you see there.

I'm a computer in stand-by; blackberry on, but with the wireless feature turned off; cell phone off person.

sllevin

I'm not saying a single phone is bad...but if you think cell phones generate ZERO interference...just set a GSM or iDEN phone down near a speakerphone and wait a few minutes.

Broadly speaking, like the speakerphone buzzing and popping, it hasn't been an issue, but I know of a couple of different pilots that have reported 'oddness' that went away when passengers were asked to turn off devices.

Steve

Horizons

Wow, 6 pages of electronics discussion and nothing yet about digital cameras.

I am not an engineer, and I don't know specifically how a digital shot (storage to a media device, like an SD or CF card) might interfere with cockpit communication, if at all. But I have used cameras sparingly in the past when there is a particularly awesome view. Never had a FA say to turn it off, but have gotten plenty of withering looks from nearby pax.

Does anyone know whether a digital camera poses a specific risk to aircraft operation? The non-reaction from FA's suggests "no", but it would be good to have further info from those with knowledge of whether the mechanism of writing to a media card in seat 21A is dangerous to avionics up front.

ihdihd

None what so ever. Not only does it not have any TX/RX capabilities (except for some new wifi digital cameras), but if you remember older cameras... the camera's only job is to open a shutter to expose the light to a film (or CCD).

The only reason they'd ask you to turn off a digicam (aside from security) is from the same nonsense arguement that an LCD screen may interfere with ground or Acraft. comm equipment.

justageek

The real reason for the cell phone rule is the one quoted upthread from the FCC -- to prevent screwing up the terrestrial cellphone inter-cell switching mechanism.

The real reason for the other electronics rule, I believe, is to prevent distractions in case you need to evacuate.

I don't understand why there is any debate going on here. Airlines using Boeing Connexion already allow laptops with WiFi, and EasyJet is going to start allowing you to use your cellphone next year. What more proof do people need that there is no danger?!?

justageek

Considering that the recent CNBC special on AA had two digital video cameras running continuously in the cockpit, right next to the allegedly delicate nav electronics, I'd say the risk is zero.

ihdihd

What they didn't tell you is that they shielded all communications equipment , displays and wiring harnesses that run up and down the plane before filming in order to comply with the rules, and even then the F/A walked into the cockpit and asked that they stow away their giant vid cams for takeoff

deac83

Wow, I didn't realize I was flying with so many electro mechanical engineers.

And Boeing 'proving' there is no interference? Amazing they don't have any vested interest in that do they?

This thread would be more entertaining if each most stated off with something like this:

"I'm a salesman/IT consultant, I have no idea how or why my cell phone or computer actually works, but I'm positive they can't interfere with the sophisticated electronics or an air plane".

Why are they allowed on the planes? Because the risk is low. Why should they be turned off, becuase the risk is not zero.

Teacher49

Which fairly raises the question, sir or madam, what are your qualifications?

dcsnowwake

its actually very easy to do other stuff as a private pilot. and if you have anyone else in the plane, they just take the controls and away u talk.