FCC to consider more cell phone usage on Aircraft

[khysanth]

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/030306-cell-phones-airplanes.html

Airlines need to do a better job of keeping passengers from using cell phones and laptops during flight because interference caused by such gear could cause accidents, according to a new study. Carnegie-Mellon University researcher Bill Strauss said in a statement that: "These devices can disrupt normal operation of key cockpit instruments, especially GPS receivers, which are increasingly vital for safe landings." The study by Strauss and others at Carnegie-Mellon's Department of Engineering and Public Policy is appearing in the IEEE Spectrum magazine this month.
The researchers traveled on commercial planes back and forth across the northeast United States, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and three major airlines, to monitor radio emissions from electronic devices used by passengers. They used a portable spectrum analyzer and broadband antenna.
Among other things, they found that one to four cell phone calls are usually made during every flight, some while the plane is heading up or making its final approach.
The researchers recommend that the FAA and FCC coordinate on electronic emission standards and that airlines conduct routine monitoring of radio emissions via data recorders.
The FCC has said it would consider allowing wider use of cell phones on airplanes, an idea that has its share of detractors, both from a technical and quality of life standpoint.

 

[stapper2]

I don't know about the technical side of phones interfering with planes, but I certainly don't need a couple dozen people chatting on phones around me for a couple hours. It seems to me that there are a lot of them are talking very loudly or are upset about something and have their voices raised.

 

[SierraPilot123]

No. Please don't allow people to use them on the plane. They drive me nuts as it is. There was a lady last weekend that was so loud on her phone. She talked up until the moment the Flight Atend. told everyone to turn them off. Then it rang just before T/O and she answered it despite the fact that she was told not to. I can't imagine having to listen to her during the flight.

 

[Champcar]

I can understand a cell phone, but a laptop with wireless turned off should create a strong enough radio wave to interfere with radio signals. But i dont know any better