Mobile phone usage aboard.
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>The airline should invest in cell phone jammers!
I think that cure is worse than the disease, as such a jammer is nothing more than a cell phone radio turned up to even greater power in order to overwhelm all "legitimate" signals in the area. If the intention of the call phone ban is to reduce spurious RF, then this would only make matters worse.
I think that cure is worse than the disease, as such a jammer is nothing more than a cell phone radio turned up to even greater power in order to overwhelm all "legitimate" signals in the area. If the intention of the call phone ban is to reduce spurious RF, then this would only make matters worse.
Está servira para distraerle.
Surely if you must needs rely on a mobile telephone for your business dealings it signifies that you are, in reality, not very important. Those who are rather more important and have no need for a handy themselves have the ability and authority to delegate responsibility to those whom they employ and who in turn use their mobile telephones to serve their employer.
Now the issue isn't so much that it's proven to interfere with aircraft signals, but that it hasn't been proven not to. Electromagnetic compatibility is a funny beast. That's why you can only use a phone on those aircraft with fitted systems.
Small, non-communications devices such as ipods, kindles etc generate much smaller RF energy signals.
That and the fact that whilst you (and I) might be quiet, you can guarantee others won't be. Also, in normal conversation you have speak and pause - with mobiles you could have 100 people talking at once. you imagine the noise of 100.
That and the fact that I'm not so important that I can't be off the grid for an hour!
Está servira para distraerle.
On the kit I used to fly you could tell by the galloping horses in the headsets when there was a mobile telephone turned on somewhere nearby.
But then, as the Captain, one was important enough so that one had to off the grid for a while.
But then, as the Captain, one was important enough so that one had to off the grid for a while.
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Nor am I, but I know this. The decision that 1) electronic devices in (if appropriate) flight mode are no longer considered dangerous has been made. Both the US and EU have decided that such use, in flight mode, is OK gate-to-gate. The problem is that not all airlines have adopted this wise decision and now do something different than regulators have approved. Leads to confusion, misunderstandings, etc. etc. However the debate about if it is safe to use electronics is over.
Regulators have also approved 2) the use of Wifi/GSM connections between the aircraft and passengers electronic devices. This is not gate-to-gate, this is 'at cruise', and the airline's device is turned off in climb/descent. This allows access to the internet and, for some airlines, the ability to connect to ground telephone networks. Phones are not ramping up power trying to connect to ground cells as they connect easily to the aircraft's network. There is also a physical limit to the number of cells that can connect at one time and, of course, the crew can deactivate the network at any time. (Ooops, technical problem - I'll get the engineer to look at it.)
Loudmouths will be loudmouths regardless of what they have in their hands. Bans are not going to change their behaviour or their volume.
I don't want to use my phone in-flight because I think I am important. Since I have become self-employed I know I am not important. But having use of my business tools makes it easier for me to make a living. There are, for examples, windows of opportunity that I could miss if I'm not able to connect at a certain time. Why deny me these tools as long as I don't bother you.
But it appears there is still a choice. If you don't like cell phone use on your flights, fly on another airline. Remember, it is expensive for the phones to be used - meaning you are a lot less likely to get 'Honey, I'm on the plane' noises at altitude. Of course this doesn't apply once the aircraft has turned off the runway and the loudmouth has connected to his terrestrial network.
Regulators have also approved 2) the use of Wifi/GSM connections between the aircraft and passengers electronic devices. This is not gate-to-gate, this is 'at cruise', and the airline's device is turned off in climb/descent. This allows access to the internet and, for some airlines, the ability to connect to ground telephone networks. Phones are not ramping up power trying to connect to ground cells as they connect easily to the aircraft's network. There is also a physical limit to the number of cells that can connect at one time and, of course, the crew can deactivate the network at any time. (Ooops, technical problem - I'll get the engineer to look at it.)
Loudmouths will be loudmouths regardless of what they have in their hands. Bans are not going to change their behaviour or their volume.
I don't want to use my phone in-flight because I think I am important. Since I have become self-employed I know I am not important. But having use of my business tools makes it easier for me to make a living. There are, for examples, windows of opportunity that I could miss if I'm not able to connect at a certain time. Why deny me these tools as long as I don't bother you.
But it appears there is still a choice. If you don't like cell phone use on your flights, fly on another airline. Remember, it is expensive for the phones to be used - meaning you are a lot less likely to get 'Honey, I'm on the plane' noises at altitude. Of course this doesn't apply once the aircraft has turned off the runway and the loudmouth has connected to his terrestrial network.
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"What I detest at airports, and would on aircraft, are the inconsiderate self-important imbeciles who think the entire airport/aircraft need to hear their boring (one-sided) conversation!"
absolutely - I find on trains taking out a notebook and visibly jotting down the conversation - and asking them to repeat the critical bits - works wonders...............
absolutely - I find on trains taking out a notebook and visibly jotting down the conversation - and asking them to repeat the critical bits - works wonders...............
ExXB,
There's actually not much I disagree with that you say - note I mentioned 'Without onboard cellphone transponder systems", by which I was referring to the "2) the use of Wifi/GSM connections between the aircraft and passengers electronic devices." that you mention. Told you I wasn't technical!
I agree re the inconsistent approach - I had previously posted asking when the CAA/EU were going to allow the use of non-receiving/transmitting devices, without realising it was already in effect - just not on the airlines I'd travelled with since then!
The 'important' line was a depreciating gag at myself. I'm actually surprised that the carriers haven't implemented the onboard systema s they could make a tidy sum with the premium rates charged.
There's actually not much I disagree with that you say - note I mentioned 'Without onboard cellphone transponder systems", by which I was referring to the "2) the use of Wifi/GSM connections between the aircraft and passengers electronic devices." that you mention. Told you I wasn't technical!
I agree re the inconsistent approach - I had previously posted asking when the CAA/EU were going to allow the use of non-receiving/transmitting devices, without realising it was already in effect - just not on the airlines I'd travelled with since then!
The 'important' line was a depreciating gag at myself. I'm actually surprised that the carriers haven't implemented the onboard systema s they could make a tidy sum with the premium rates charged.
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Mobiles
Several years ago I was flying BA to Izmir when the captain announced "Will the person using a mobile phone please turn it off or I will put your conversation on the PA!" 
Seemed to work!
Seemed to work!
Last edited by Bill4a; 28th Feb 2014 at 23:07. Reason: Grandma!
Paxing All Over The World
A new trend is for lazy $hits to put the call on the phones speaker and then hold the phone in front of them, as if they were at home. I passed one in the street today and you can now hear BOTH sides of the conversation.
I've also seen them doing this whilst driving cars.
I've also seen them doing this whilst driving cars.
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Here's a good read...
Use of Portable Electronic Devices During Commercial Air
Transport Aircraft Operation
Enjoy....it's only a month old, but some may have missed it.
Use of Portable Electronic Devices During Commercial Air
Transport Aircraft Operation
Enjoy....it's only a month old, but some may have missed it.
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Flew Squeezy-UK last night into GVA. They still do not allow PEDs gate-to-gate. In fact we were over 20 mins out when they told everyone to turn-off.
I was intrigued by the announcement they made just before opening the door. Something like 'airport regulations prohibit the use of mobile telephones until you are in the terminal building'. Really? I have never heard of such regulation and I doubt if airports would be allowed to regulate something like this.
And it does seem to be at odds with those airlines mentioned above that allow telephones to be used on the taxiways.
Is there really such a Regulation?
I was intrigued by the announcement they made just before opening the door. Something like 'airport regulations prohibit the use of mobile telephones until you are in the terminal building'. Really? I have never heard of such regulation and I doubt if airports would be allowed to regulate something like this.
And it does seem to be at odds with those airlines mentioned above that allow telephones to be used on the taxiways.
Is there really such a Regulation?
I do wonder, they use the same anouncement at every airport AFAIK, including ones where I've heard other airlines say 'not until doors open/after closed' etc
The cynic might think it's to avoid any slow down in turn around times due to people talking on the phone and not getting off quickly enough.....
The cynic might think it's to avoid any slow down in turn around times due to people talking on the phone and not getting off quickly enough.....
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You know, if it's their policy they should say "In order to speed our turn around we would appreciate if you would …".
It doesn't look good if they just make up regulations … (and blame somebody else for the stupid ones)
It doesn't look good if they just make up regulations … (and blame somebody else for the stupid ones)
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I responded to U2's request for comments and included my view that no airport could or would regulate mobile phones. I received this in reply:
I'll withhold my scepticism for some time. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.
I regret any inconvenience caused due to this announcement.
I have immediately escalated this to our airport team to get a clarification on the announcement. Please allow us sometime to check our details and we will get back to you.
We look forward to your continuing association with us.
I have immediately escalated this to our airport team to get a clarification on the announcement. Please allow us sometime to check our details and we will get back to you.
We look forward to your continuing association with us.
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I'm no longer crew but PEDa would cause so much grief.
My personal favourites were people who turn their decides face down when asked to turn them off (no that doesn't turn them off!) or those who argue that kindles are not electronic (well they don't run off of fairy dust do they?).
I used to incorporate switch off procedures for iDevices, Android and Kindles into PAs just to reduce the time taking to secure.
I'm glad I'm out if it now because I just know polite requests will be met with "well British Airways let you".
EXXB - it's when walking across the apron that it is prohibited to use mobile phones as the aircraft or the aircraft next door may be being fuelled in the same way petrol stations advise against the use of mobile phones. That PA was part of the disembarkation PA when I worked there so it's been out there for a good while.
As for being 20mins out I remember when I worked at EZ cabin secure ten minutes was the norm however in some places it would be sooner as pilots need to anticipate the likelihood of a shortcut and GVA can give quite a large shortcut, so cabin is secured in anticipation of this. But having prepared for the shortcut you're often sent downwind and it takes a while to get on the ground. Safety and getting the cabin co secure on time is the priority there. Milan was another one.
I do like gate-to-gate PEDs. I used BA the other day and it was great. I cannot wait for it to become more widespread.
My personal favourites were people who turn their decides face down when asked to turn them off (no that doesn't turn them off!) or those who argue that kindles are not electronic (well they don't run off of fairy dust do they?).
I used to incorporate switch off procedures for iDevices, Android and Kindles into PAs just to reduce the time taking to secure.
I'm glad I'm out if it now because I just know polite requests will be met with "well British Airways let you".
EXXB - it's when walking across the apron that it is prohibited to use mobile phones as the aircraft or the aircraft next door may be being fuelled in the same way petrol stations advise against the use of mobile phones. That PA was part of the disembarkation PA when I worked there so it's been out there for a good while.
As for being 20mins out I remember when I worked at EZ cabin secure ten minutes was the norm however in some places it would be sooner as pilots need to anticipate the likelihood of a shortcut and GVA can give quite a large shortcut, so cabin is secured in anticipation of this. But having prepared for the shortcut you're often sent downwind and it takes a while to get on the ground. Safety and getting the cabin co secure on time is the priority there. Milan was another one.
I do like gate-to-gate PEDs. I used BA the other day and it was great. I cannot wait for it to become more widespread.
it's when walking across the apron that it is prohibited to use mobile phones as the aircraft or the aircraft next door may be being fuelled in the same way petrol stations advise against the use of mobile phones
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There must be some reason. I've seen people been asked to switched off phones whilst going out to the aircraft so it is policed by non airline employees working inside of the airport so it is policed somewhat.
Other than the fire risk there is also the potential safety hazards associated with an apron and talking or texting on a phone could perhaps reduce a persons situational awareness. I'd be interested to know why. I'd out money on it NOT being to do with speeding up turnaround times.
I can't imagine them making it up. If it was policy in order to speed up turnaround times then they would tell customers in the same way that they used to explain how it was the crews responsibility to clean the aircraft and there is a short turnaround so please put all rubbish in the bags provided.
EZY allow PEDS onboard when ever the doors are open. So if people were going to waste time it would be rummaging through their bags finding said devices and switching them on. It is only the portion of walking on the apron to the terminal where they are not permitted.
Other than the fire risk there is also the potential safety hazards associated with an apron and talking or texting on a phone could perhaps reduce a persons situational awareness. I'd be interested to know why. I'd out money on it NOT being to do with speeding up turnaround times.
I can't imagine them making it up. If it was policy in order to speed up turnaround times then they would tell customers in the same way that they used to explain how it was the crews responsibility to clean the aircraft and there is a short turnaround so please put all rubbish in the bags provided.
EZY allow PEDS onboard when ever the doors are open. So if people were going to waste time it would be rummaging through their bags finding said devices and switching them on. It is only the portion of walking on the apron to the terminal where they are not permitted.
The fire risk is a theoretical one; It's been around since mobile phones became common (I recall it being discussed as a hazard when Petroleum Legislation enforcement was part of my job in the early 90s). Another reason for not using them in petrol stations is that the RF may interfere with pump systems, including the totalisers (as they were not intitally tested for that sort of EMC) - I beleive that has been demonstrated, although no-one will admit it!
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Theoretical nonetheless however I'm sure the airlports would rather not leave it to chance. No different to the risk of mobile phones bringing a plane down. Things are changing now but again in sure people would ether not take the risk.
Does anyone know of any other airline where this is policy? Or supposed to be policy? At my local airport they say it during boarding at the gate and absolutely enforce it. I saw a Canadian guy go to use his phone during the walk to the aircraft and he looked surprised when asked to put down the phone. When I flew BA last week it was boarded vi an air bridge on both ends so no such message was conveyed.
I can't believe it's just EJ though?
Having worked there, and told people this for too long, I now find myself wondering if I'm going to be told off for having my phone on during the walk out to the plane as I use the app for boarding! So for nothing has been said so it must just be for making calls.
Does anyone know of any other airline where this is policy? Or supposed to be policy? At my local airport they say it during boarding at the gate and absolutely enforce it. I saw a Canadian guy go to use his phone during the walk to the aircraft and he looked surprised when asked to put down the phone. When I flew BA last week it was boarded vi an air bridge on both ends so no such message was conveyed.
I can't believe it's just EJ though?
Having worked there, and told people this for too long, I now find myself wondering if I'm going to be told off for having my phone on during the walk out to the plane as I use the app for boarding! So for nothing has been said so it must just be for making calls.