Why is it that anything with an on/off switch has to be turned off when the plane takes off, and when it's landing? It has never been explained to me, and I just can't find any justifiable reason other than maybe it ruining your phone or something. I've had my phone on during the whole duration of a flight once and no one was affected by it, nor was it ruined, so I'm a bit confused. Help anyone?
2007-08-08 08:33:06 · 5 answers · asked by twinkles863 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
I want to keep my phone on because I listen to music while on the plane to drone out all the drunk college kids going to vegas (where I commute back and forth to), and the babies crying...don't get me wrong I've only kept my phone on the full flight once. But it always seems they tell me to turn it off RIGHT at that good point in the song where you really really want to listen. I'm not disrespecting the flight attendants orders I do turn my phone off when told. I just didn't get why they always say that.
2007-08-09 09:24:27 · update #1
There are old rules in place for cell phones that have never been changed. There is a concern about the signal interfering with the electronics on the plane that could cause major disruptions ("turn off all electronic devices") during take-off and landing as there is not much time to correct if something fails at 1000 ft vs. 30,000 ft. The cell rule was first put into place because when the phones were actually "cell" phones, you would literally connect to 500 different cells from the air vs. 1-3 on the ground. The phone companies couldn't figure out who/where to bill (are they roaming over 5 different states?) The FTC has approved phone use over 10000 ft. but due to uproar from travelers, the airlines have pressured to keep the FAA from approving. Can you imagine 300 people all on their phones in that little plane?
2007-08-08 08:48:42 · answer #1 · answered by Bull R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a general risk that the small amount of radiation emitted by most electronic devices will interfere with aircraft navigation and control systems. This risk is higher for older aircraft, but still exists. The potential harm is highest at the critical flight phases of takeoff and landing. As a result, passengers are required to turn off electronic devices then.
Mobile phones present an additional problem, already mentioned. At the altitudes that you will be flying at, they might potentially link to a far greater geographic spread of nodes than when they are on the ground. This presents a technical problem that the synchronisation details needed to link your phone to a particular node could not be repeated as in that far greater area, and far more unique link codes would be required to run the network. The phone companies want to avoid that, and want to be able to reuse link codes as quickly as possible. To do that, they have to stop people using phones when they are flying.
2007-08-08 17:27:09 · answer #2 · answered by DougF 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's see. Some people think the plane will crash if you turn on your cell phone in flight. Others think the crew won't be able to communicate with the ground. Still others believe that the aircraft's instruments won't work properly.
Think about it. If you're going through security and they see a pocket knife, nail clipper, or anything else that could pose the slightest risk of an incident, they confiscate it immediately. If they see a cell phone, they ignore it.
If cell phones were as dangerous as people think they are, you wouldn't be able to get within a hundred feet of a plane with one.
2007-08-08 23:12:15 · answer #3 · answered by Pat S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't have your phone on during takeoff and landings because the technology that powers your phone and allows you to have service is the same technology that allows the pilot to talk to the air traffic control tower. As a result, they ask everyone to turn their phones off so that there is the least amount of interferrence possible between the pilots and the air traffic control tower.
Once you reach your cruising altitude you can turn your phone back on but why would you want to.......you can't make a phone call!
Happy travels!
2007-08-08 15:53:36 · answer #4 · answered by soccerref 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Signals from electronic devices may affect instruments in the cockpit, giving off false signals from ground control.
This could create a hazard.
Don't ignore the order from the flight crew.
You are not the only passenger on board.
2007-08-08 15:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋