(Airplane Policy) This might be a stupid question...?

Question

But I really don't know..... Can cell phone signals really cause a plane to crash by interfering with their controls? I've heard things about it but felt silly asking.

So can you have you phone on during the flight? If not, does it actually have to be off or will silent work?

Answer 1

With newer cell phones working on new channels, the FAA baned all cell phones cause it would cost to much to keep testing all the new types that come out every week almost. I know that most will not cause anything. It does not need to be off but in airplane mode(which means that the cell phone cannot transmit any signals).

Answer 2

It needs to be turned off during flight. I guess it can mess up the controls in the cockpit. Can you imagine, 200 passengers with their cell phones turned on and talking at the same time.

I was on a flight that had to be redirected because someone was ill on the plane and a bunch of people got on their cell phones to let their family know that the flight was going to be delayed. The plane didn't crash. Does that answer your question )

P.S. By the way no question is stupid.

Answer 3

In concept, it's possible for a cell phone transmissions to interfere with navigation and control systems. And it is possible for that interference it leadto a crash. Is it likely, no. But are you willing to take even a small chance unnecessarily?

Incidentally, it's also for the protection of the cell phone networks that in-flight calling is not permitted, but that's another discussion.

And the most likely result of trying to make a call at 30,000 feet, especially if you're not in a window seat, is frustration. You're not likely to succeed.

The rules are: Off for takeoff and landing. On in "airplane mode" (the actual phone circuits turned off, allowing use of other functions like calendar or MP3 player) is OK at cruising altitude.

Silencing the ring is irrelevent.