Why can't you turn your cell phone on in an airplane?

Answer 1

The true reason that cell phones are banned on airplanes was that the FCC requested that the FAA impose the ban. With the way cell phones continually contact cell towers to establish that link, imagine just one phone flying at 600 mph and contacting all the towers along the way. Now imagine several on one plane. Now imagine several tens of thousands crisscrossing the country.

The fear is that the cell network would backlog and collapse. So in a way, cellphones are dangerous to electronics, just not on the plane.

I mean, if it truly did have an effect, then we'd have planes falling out of the sky all day, every day, because someone forgot.

(FYI - this was just asked the other day)

Answer 2

Because the outgoing signal from your cell phone causes electromagnetic interference with the airplane's systems and could cause the plane to go off course.

Answer 3

You'll interfere with the mechanics and cause the plane to suddenly and irreparably lose altitude until you crash horribly.

Just Kidding... but I have heard that you are too far away from the cell phone towers (since you're usually cruising at 35k feet) that it causes issues with your phone and service.

Also, while they haven't been able to prove that cell phones interfere with the plane's avionics, they also haven't been able to disprove that. It might be a "better-safe-than-sorry" approach.

BTW, the answer below is incorrect. If they wanted your attention at a moment's notice, they wouldn't allow you to sleep or listen to music with headphones.

Answer 4

Reason One:Satellite signals to cellphones can disrupt the plane's satellite navigation system that is similar to a GPS in that it uses satellites to triangulate the plane's position.

Reason Two: While this theory has not been completely accepted by the FAA and the NTSB, EMPs or electro magnetic pulses can cause system failures. Until it is scientifically proven whether or not cellphones effect this, it is best to err on the side of caution and leave them off.

Answer 5

Many plane crashes have been linked to cell phone interference. Cell phones effect older controls adversely.

Answer 6

I guess it could interfere with their radio? But it would most definitely annoy the c--p out of other passengers!!! Imagine 8 or 9 people talking really loudly on their cell phones!!!

Answer 7

Because the pilot and flight attendants want your full attention at a moments notice.

Answer 8

I dont know....thats crazy someone else told me that same thing