why is it dangerous to have your mobile phone on while flying?

Question

has it ever been proven to affect a plane or its communications,i wanted to record the takeoff and landing on my phone, is it wise?

Answer 1

Since it's against the rules, no it is not wise.

There is much debate as to whether there is any significant effect on communications, but the rules say to have phones and other electronic devices turned off and stored during take-off and landing.

In addition to any effect on communication, phones are just annoying to other passengers and the crew. Banning them makes the flight more pleasant for everyone.

Answer 2

My friend is a commercial pilot who flies 737s and the like, and he said that while it's potentially possible that some electrical communications equipment may interfere with the planes electronics, there is actually no proof whatsoever that mobile phones effect them at all -it's the same with using a mobile in a petrol station -absolutely no proof that anything can go wrong -they're just being on the safe side -or probably just don't want anyone using their phone onboard..

Answer 3

it shouldnt affect any plane whatsoever
its preacautionary.. just in case there was a problem, especially with fly by wire planes (effectively any modern aircraft (one built say int he last 10..15 years).

incidentally if any aircraft was sold in the current marketplace that wasnt capable of working properly with cell phones working nearby it would almost certainly be in breach of the relevant EU product legisalation.. and would be able to be sold within the EU.

if you phone has a flying mode (ie it turns off the radio transciever) then you can record the takeoff & landing, however you may struggle to proove that to your neighbours and the cabin crew. Given the curretn terrorism panics anybody brandishing a cell phone inside a plane cabin could casue issues with passengers.

Supposedly its the radio emission that could possibly casue problems, so if the device isnt transmitting then it should be OK. However some airlines take it one stage further and insist that all digital devices are turned off, esxcept fo course the in flight entertainment screens & systems.

So in theory your should be able to, in practise Im pretty certain you wont be allowed to.

Answer 4

Almost no chance in hell in would do anything to the plane.

There would be a better chance you take a plane down by jumping in the aisles then by using your cell phone. Its a 1 in a billion chance.

Somewhere, someone must have proven that theorectially it is possible to interfere with airlines communications system so they decided to play it safe.

A friend of mine who is a flight attendent once told me she thinks the airlines do it mainly because they would not want people yapping on their phones the whole flight. That is a more logical reason to me.

Answer 5

I think the airlines forbid it just so people use their phone system and pay them.
On United flight 93 there were many people using their cells and as far as I know, that didn´t affect the flight (well.. more than it was already affected by the kidnappers).
I think it´s nor true.

However, as a photographer, I woud tell you to get a camera and take those pictures that you want, anyway the quality will be better with a real camera !

Answer 6

No , its not dangerous at all the the systems of an aircraft.

The reason that it is suggested that it may is to make use of phones during flights more antisocial.
If the comfort of other passengers was the only negative,many would still use their phones and to hell with others comfort.

Petrol stations are another similar situation.There is no danger other than negligence whilst using the pump.

Answer 7

it might interfere with the navigation signals. If only you then its OK. but if all the passengers tend to use there mobile phones it will become a huge problem for the communication device and the control towers.

Answer 8

It's not - they did a Mythbusters on it.

I heard once that they make you turn them off so that they do not have to hassle with customer complaints about signal strength or phones not working. I mean, really, what kind of reception are you going to get at 30,000 feet?

They could also just be extra cautious. I've had my phone on (by accident) in my pocket and they never said anything.

Answer 9

It is thought that the transmission of signals from/to your phone may interfere with the aircrafts own circuitry and electronic systems

However, it is also thought that there is such a minute risk, that companies are now considering reviewing this - as indeed they are in hospitals, where it is thought that there is a risk that they interfere with sensitive electronic medical equipment.

This too it is felt, may have been overplayed and in fact the risk may be very minute.

Answer 10

Cellphones : pointless in air due to no reception, and interference with aircraft navigational instruments, especially seated towards the front of the aircraft opposed to the aft.