The real reason for switching the phones off on an airplane

Re:The real reason for switching the phones off on an airplane by jnwatson on Wednesday March 14, 2018 @06:23PM (#16588869)

While it is true that cell phones in planes put more burden on access points, it has nothing to do with an FAA regulation. Why would the FAA care about a private telephony company's equipment?

The FAA regulation was always about interference, plain and simple. The fact that it took so long to change the rule is basic regulatory sclerosis.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The real reason for switching the phones off on an airplane by BerislavLopac on Thursday March 15, 2018 @05:23AM (#16591367)

The point of this answer is precisely that there is no FAA regulation on cellphones, which seems to be supported by this Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_on_aircraft

    > Contrary to popular misconception, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
    > does not actually prohibit the use of personal electronic devices (including
    > cell phones) on aircraft. Paragraph (b)(5) of 14 CFR 91.21 leaves it up to the
    > airlines to determine if devices can be used in flight, allowing use of "Any
    > other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has
    > determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication
    > system of the aircraft on which it is to be used."

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The real reason for switching the phones off on an airplane by ttul on Wednesday March 14, 2018 @06:55PM (#16589095)

But why would airplane systems be vulnerable to interference from mobile phones? Wouldn’t that be pretty much a show stopper? Yes

[ Parent | on HN ]