Re: Why are cell phones allowed on planes but not allowed to be used? If they are dangerous why not ban them.

Question

Ok some people posted it messes with communications. Doesn't that mean if Terrorist brought a lot of cell phones onto a plane they could start to cause a big problem?

Answer 1

So, here's the deal. The issue involves two Federal agencies and the individual airline (in the US).

The FAA, which governs air safety, requires that all carry-on items be stowed during takeoff and landing. Generally, airlines will let you use them while the plane is on the ground but requires they be put away once the plane begins its taxi to the runway.

The FAA also requires that airlines determine which portable electronic devices (PED) are safe for use during flight. This includes computers, pagers, electronic games, etc. Each airlines operates different types of airplanes, so the FAA requires them to evaluate which devices are safe for use during flight. Most commercial airlines allow passengers to use their computers when the flight has reached its cruising level.

The Federal Communications Commission, FCC, governs the use of cell phones. Cell phones are only authorized for use on the ground, and persons who use them are not required to be licensed. Cell phones can interfere with airplane communications. Not only that, if you use a cell phone at 30,000 feet above ground, you will likely access numerous cell transmitters, and your cell phone bill will show it! You'll be billed for each minute on each transmitter!

The FAA has a good explanation on its web site. It doesn't tell you about the billing issue, but it explains the rest.

Answer 2

You can't use them on board due to the signal they produce. Aircraft use a system called I.F.F. in flight to identify themselves to ATC ( Air Traffic Control) and the older analog celphones could interefere with that system. Also the new digital phones can "blip" an aircraft's C.A.S. ( Collision Avoidance System) which as you can imagine would not sit well with the pilots.

Answer 3

i guess.....ur not suppose to talk on them on planes because ya it will screw up the comm. I think it goes for most electronics...

Answer 4

It is just a pre-caution.