Why are we asked to turn off our cell phones during a flight?

Answer 1

Many older-model analog cell phones are known to interfere with the arcraft avionics. While the modern digital phones likely will not interfere, each model would need to be tested safely first before it would be allowed--and since there are always new models being introduced, there is really no way to test every phone.

So, as a precaution, the cell phones must be turned off. And again, the analog ones are known to interfere.

The logic behind it is: it's a flight, be safe.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief, the primary reason for the ban on cell phone use in airplanes is NOT their potential to interfere with airplane equipment. Provided there's any insulation at all on the plane's wires, cell phones do not cause problems for the opperation of the airplane. If there were no insulation on the wires, cell phones (and any other electronic devices) would interfere with airplane navigation systems, as would ambient solar radiation. There was even a MythBuster's episode about it.

It's actually the FCC that prohibits the use of cell phones on airplanes. The reason is that the cellular networks on the ground cannot support any significant volume of traffic from airplanes. A cell phone used on an airplane would move rapidly between cell towers, putting significantly more demands on the network than a call from the surface does, even if the call is made from a moving vehicle. If it were legal to make cell phone calls from airplanes, the FCC has determined that the volume of such calls might be sufficient to jam cellular networks, which would leave the networks unable to support calls made on the ground as well as in the air. The FCC's official statement as of earlier this month was that they don't have sufficient information to determined whether in-flight cell phone use would interfere with networks on the ground, and are upholding the ban until such time as they have sufficient evidence to be confident it will not be a problem.

The FAA does enforce its own ban on in-flight cell phone use, but under their ban, airlines are permitted to allow cell phones if they demonstrate that each model of phone they allow does not interfere with communcations equipment.

Answer 3

I agree that the primary reason for no cell phone use is the FCC and the possibility of it jamming to many cell towers.

I have had experience with interference from cell phones on our airplanes so it does happen. It just doesn't interfere with the primary nav systems, it mainly interfered with our radios. It caused a lot of background interference. It was actually our flight attendants phone that had accidentally been left on. When she turned it off, the interference went away.

Answer 4

Safety is the reason for the ban on cell phone usage while in flight. Because cell phones can interfere with the aircraft instruments.

Answer 5

What's the point anyway? During ALL flights when I kept my mobile phone on, I found there was no network that would enable me make a call.

Makes no difference if it's on or off, except during take-off and landing, when its signals might interfere with communications equipment of the aircraft.

True that proper insulation of RT and navigational equipment on board prevents radio signals from a cellphone from interfering. However, ALL wireless devices, including cellphones, emit something called Harmonics. These are variants of a radio wave but of a different frequency and modulation. These cause interference.

A good example of harmonics is the 'ghost' or 'shadow' images we see on a TV if our antenna is not properly aligned or pointing towards a tall building or wet surface.

Answer 6

it doesn't affect navigation or anything like the cabin crew says. Its just to stop noise and stuff.

for the first time in history, Australian Airline, QANTAS, is going to trial the use of cell phones on an aircraft. They will use a 767 for 3 months to see how it goes and if they're happy with it, it will be introduced on all their domestic and international services.

Answer 7

Electronics interfere with flying the airplane? Also, I don't think you will get a signal. I did see some people use there phones when we had to be diverted to another airport due to a emergency.
Nothing happen.

s

Answer 8

there's no proof that cell phone's interfere with the airplanes communication systems. think of it like the movies. you turn off your phone to be polite. it's more of proper etiquete than anything else.

Answer 9

they said that it's going to interfere with the planes signals for flying but i actually tried keeping it on in one of my international flight and nothing happened. they just dont want you to be using it on board. so it's busted but don't try it. they request you to turn it off, then turn it off. i was just sooo curious about it so i tried it ones.