Electronics and Airplanes - General

My uncle was a pilot and has said it doesn't matter, I'm an avionics technician and I see no reason for it but I understand the concept behind it being that if the signals start to pull your instruments off of what they should be you may be setting up to land in say.. a fog and come down 500 feet off center from the run way. That's the only issue I see. Also, from what I read somewhere a long time ago.. 4G may present an issue due to being a more powerful antenna.. but really I just believe it's a precaution to make sure nothing happens, even if it is unnecessary in my eyes. On the other hand, if you have no understanding of electronics and avionics and the like you probably should stop being butthurt considering it's for YOUR safety.. Can they check to see if every phone is in airplane mode? Fuck no. All or nothing, in this case nothing. And I feel your pain, I just returned from home not 3 hours ago. It annoys me too, but it's not something to get all wound up about. It annoys me more cause I understand most of it... but why bother? It's like 5-10 minutes. The only time it truely sucks is if you have a say.. 40-50 minute flight and 15 minutes both up and down are no electronic zones. Can't even watch half a show.

Hell, coming down a few degrees off course onto a runway could really ruin your day. But hey, you know what they say; If you can walk away from it, it was a good landing *cough*

I wouldn't turn it off, rather turn off all wireless things like wifi, cell, bluetooth, etc. because you're not going to use any of it during take offs, landings. Use AirPlane mode and stick it in your pocket or something.

[QUOTE=clutch2;33992096]"It's of almost no incidence or inconvenience to me to turn off my electronic devices during takeoff and landing, however since I don't understand the reason I insist on being belligerent and pushing those limits set forth to me very clearly."[/QUOTE] I have inner ear problems, which makes it very hard for me to deal with the pressure of takeoff and landing, it's normally very painful for me. The only way I've discovered that makes it NOT hurt like a bitch is to have earbuds in my ear blaring music.

[QUOTE=Ven Kaeo;34011210]I have inner ear problems, which makes it very hard for me to deal with the pressure of takeoff and landing, it's normally very painful for me. The only way I've discovered that makes it NOT hurt like a bitch is to have earbuds in my ear blaring music.[/QUOTE] Same here, I know how that feels, but I never knew something like music could help I'll give it a go, thanks :v:

They tested this on Mythbusters. Didn't cause any issues but when your flying at 30,000 feet at 500miles an hour in a hunk of metal and plastic it's probably for the best that you air on the side of caution.

It's just a precautionary measure, people take passenger aircraft for granted all too often. They treat airline services like a bloody bus service. From my own perspective you're a bloody naive idiot if all you want to do whilst soaring through the air at 600 MPH is play around with your electronic device. I for one always grab the window seat and stare through the window throughout the entire flight, it's probably the single greatest view you will ever seen in your entire life.

You could be blamed for being an ass and openly not turn off your phone. Some communications problem occurs, the plane lands and you get blamed.

[QUOTE=Trumple;33980585]What do they do if both of the pilots pass out/become unable to fly? Does a hero stand out from all the passengers and claim he can fly the plane with his flight simulator hours, while he safely flies the plane to the ground with the help of flight control?[/QUOTE] I was reading about this subject earlier today. In reality there are a number of things to consider: 1. It's extremely unlikely that both would collapse at the same time. 2. It's pretty likely that another pilot will be on the plane being taken to another airport. 3. Other members of the crew are probably more aware of the workings of a plane and landing procedures than an ordinary passenger. They'd be more likely to take over. 4. Isn't the cockpit locked to stop terrorists from taking over the plane?

[QUOTE=st0rmforce;34031311]I was reading about this subject earlier today. In reality there are a number of things to consider: 1. It's extremely unlikely that both would collapse at the same time. 2. It's pretty likely that another pilot will be on the plane being taken to another airport. 3. Other members of the crew are probably more aware of the workings of a plane and landing procedures than an ordinary passenger. They'd be more likely to take over. 4. Isn't the cockpit locked to stop terrorists from taking over the plane?[/QUOTE] Beacons and autopilot, most commercial passenger planes can quite happily fly themselves now, it's just people aren't really comfortable with it.

I remember reading an article where they interview an ex-pilot about cell phones and planes. This is his comment about it. [quote= Captain Lim] I have encountered many such incidents where passengers have ignored repeated requests to stop using any portable electronic devices, especially cellular phones. How serious are they to the safety of airplanes? Well, they have caused airplanes to do uncommanded turns during the approach, computers and navigation systems to go haywire, fuel quantity to read zero... so on and so forth. Many pilots have also reported interferences to communication and navigation equipment in various stages of their flights. How do they know that these interferences came from the passengers? The FAA bars cell phone use in flight as well as other electronic devices during takeoff and landing to avoid disrupting plane electronics. The FCC bans its use because of ground concerns. Cell phones often don't work at 30,000 feet, but when they do, signals can reach hundreds of towers at once, clogging networks. Well, when a pilot detects an unusual electronic fault, he would be notified by the inbuilt warning systems. If he could not troubleshoot the faults in the normal manner, his next action would be to find out from the Flight Attendants to see if any passengers were using some prohibited electronic devices. Sure enough, when one such device was found and requested to be switched off, the navigation system would return to normal. In 2006 a Boeing 737 was making an approach to Chicago Midway Airport, the pilots noticed an erroneous airplane position from the cockpit instruments. At one point, it was indicating that it was on course and the next moment it was off course, showing that it was too far South. When they finally sighted the runway, they were too high and too far North to land. They eventually discovered that a lady passenger was using her cell phone. When she was asked to turn it off, the instruments returned to normal and the Boeing 737 landed safely. Meanwhile, it is an offence for recalcitrant passengers to use cell phones in the air. Yes, planes have not crashed yet because pilots' skills and back up equipment have so far been very effective in saving some dangerous moments in the air. [/quote] But then, some airlines these days equip their planes with a device that allows you to use your mobile phones once the plane reaches above 9000-feet.

[QUOTE=srroesl;33989086]oh for sure. i'm not questioning the validity of the regulation, just giving my opinion. you instruct? awesome! do you work for a larger company or own the airplane yourself (or rent)?[/QUOTE] I instruct with the Royal Air Force. They supply the aircraft we use, and in exchange for essentially free flight time I in turn instruct cadets and servicemen and women who require some form of aircraft-orientation for their occupation. It's very rewarding, and I get to fly most weekends, with many expenses covered by Her Majesty. [editline]3rd January 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=adam1172;34031866]I remember reading an article where they interview an ex-pilot about cell phones and planes. This is his comment about it. But then, some airlines these days equip their planes with a device that allows you to use your mobile phones once the plane reaches above 9000-feet.[/QUOTE] This is a really interesting read, and backs up my comment about critical stages of flight. If aircraft systems malfunction in-flight, the standard procedure per airline is to consult the QRH (quick reference handbook) which every airline equip every aircraft with. If they do not find a resolution in the QRH they consult the aircraft manual and/or call the airline to consult with the duty senior engineer/pilot. If the stage of flight is, for arguments sake, past VR on takeoff (the point at which the aircraft rotates from takeoff roll into the climb) but not yet V2 (point at which the rate of climb is established and stable) then there is absolutely [I]no[/I] chance a pilot could consult the QRH, or consult the manual, or call the company. In the cruise however, or even at a late stage in the climb, he could do so. There is a much higher chance of issue resolution when the aircraft is safely at 37,000ft, holding a course, with a static power setting.

On long flights they wait ages to turn on the in flight entertainment which really annoys me. It seems logical to make sure people are paying attention to the flight attendants (as mentioned above).