If cell phones render a driver inattentive, why aren't pilots affected so by their airplane's radio?

Answer 1

When one is in a car - a driver has a one to one relationship with everything around him/her - and most things need immediate attention.
Talking on a cell phone can distract from this - as proven by all the accidents that have occured with "Sorry officer, I must have turned away for a moment - I was on my cell phone..."

Meanwhile, a pilot - flying above -- has a tower watching out for them monitoring everyone's flight path in the area -- and a pilot has - oh my, auto pilot.

Also, the radio in a plane is used for important information only - about the travel. It is not a toy or a phone -- one does not play with it and one certainly does not have a conversation on it.

Over and out...

Answer 2

That's a good question!!

Cell phones definitely render a driver inattentive.

But who knows: pilots also may be affected but since this is an essential tool they overlook that point.

Answer 3

Well, when was the last time you saw a 747 in bumper to bumper traffic?

Or maybe you've seen one swerve to avoid a deer? How about a pothole in the road? Oh or maybe they might have to jam on their air brakes because the pilot in front of them stopped....

Trying to compare a pilots communication radio to a cell phone? What the heck are you thinking?

Answer 4

Probably because their girlfriends don't call them up to chat and make plans over the airplane's radio while they are flying (at least I hope they don't)

Answer 5

Because any boob can pass a driver's test. Passing a pilot's test is an altogether different matter, however.

Answer 6

The radio conversation is about what they are doing, not some completely different topic.

Answer 7

Because they are using a headset not something that is hand held. Also because it is used for directions and not to chitty-chat.