Why do you have to turn off any electronic device whenever you takeoff or land in an airplane?

Question

Why do you have to turn off any electronic device whenever you takeoff or land in an airplane?

Answer 1

It's simple - when do the majority of accidents happen on aircraft?

Answer: It's during take-off and landing.

If someone is listening to their iPod etc at full blast - they may not hear the warning announcement or hear it too late to react.

Answer 2

Possible interference with Radar or other associated electronic tracking and guidance systems.

Answer 3

Well, it is true that the lines can interfere, though that is rare, i have seen it happen myself. When pilots are preparing to take off, they are constantly on their communication system, and any interference can cause a huge problem or accident. Also, the lithium batteries can catch fire because of the pressurization. I have also seen this happen, And, a fire on a plane is not something worth just to keep your phone on.

Answer 4

The waves emitted by the phones and stuff are the same type that control some of the landing equipment and communications, and i guess that you have to turn off the ones that don't emit waves because it's a distraction... idk

Answer 5

There's a possibility, slight but still there, that signals from your devices could interfere with the instrument systems used while landing the airplane and no one (especially an old electronics tech like me) wants to take a chance.