Why do we have to turn off iPods on airplanes?

Answer 1

Here is an article that talks about that...

http://www.airlines.org/operationsandsafety/engineering/EMMC+Portable+Electronic+Devices.htm

The proliferation of the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) aboard aircraft in recent years (CD players, laptop computers, video games, cellular telephones, etc.) has prompted concern among aviation professionals about the effects such devices could have on the electronic systems aboard aircraft. Pilots have filed hundreds of reports alleging electro-magnetic interference (EMI) caused by PEDs, and flight attendants have had numerous confrontations with passengers about which PEDs can and cannot be used when on airline flights. Pilot reports often state that interference with navigation and communication systems disappeared when members of the flight crew asked passengers to turn off electronic devices they were using in the cabin. However, due to the mercurial nature of EMI, no one has established a repeatable link between PEDs and problems with cockpit instruments. The case against the use of PEDs aboard aircraft has been based more on anecdotes rather than scientific analyses.

Answer 2

It might depend on the airline you fly with ... but there are many reasons ..
Ipods are an electrical device , and electrical devices give off radio and magnetic Fields or waves .. this could interfere with some of the equipment on a plane .. highly unlikely but its possible.. its for this same reason why most gas stations will not let you talk on a cell phone while fuelling a car
Another reason is for the other passengers around you .. you might not think its loud and you might like your music cranked up full and that is very annoying to others to hear that .. and yes you can hear it .. especially if you have your mouth open while you listen .. ( I'm kidding )
With all the terror scares now a days they could be cautious because they just don't know if you have a real ipod or some other device .. there is always that risk ..

Answer 3

You only need to turn it off during take off and landing, once the aircraft is cruising you can turn it back on, the FA will let you know when

Answer 4

becauuse some people don't like to sit next to someone who has it too loud, and it does have the possibility of causing static interference

Answer 5

I was able to use my iPod when I flew in November.