Do the pilots have a say in this????

[Basil-Fawlty]

Do the pilots/ATC and PAX have a say in this????

With the recent approval of the mobile phone usage on board aircraft, the airlines are now discussing the option of allowing the usage of such devices on board the aircraft. Do you think it is the aircrew's decision to allow this kind of facility on board or the airline markting department? After all it is the air crew that will be dealing with this at FL390 while the manager is sipping his coffee or wine at his comfortable apartment whatever his QNH level will be.
Also has there been sufficient research with regards to interferance from the mobile to the FMS or AFS systems?? I remember an incident when one of the first class pax on board an MH flight managed to disconnect the FMC during landing when he made a phone call from his mobile.

I understand that specific channels and certain MHZ frequencies will be allocated which are considered safe by the commision, but will it be certain that such channels will NOT interfer with navigational equipment on board the aircraft, not so much in cruise but during landing and takeoff?

Also will it be fair if you have someone sitting near you using their mobile phone who is waffling about all kinds of crap while you are trying to rest or enjoy a conversation with someone sitting next to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask for some feedback on this matter, especially from air crew and ATC guys who may have experienced such incidents (if any) Especially from the Middle East region.

I would also like to thank Qatar airways for taking the step to say NO to mobile phones.


Safety Concerns from previous reports

From March 1996 to December 2002, CAA recorded 35 aircraft safety-related incidents that were linked to cell phones, the authority said.

The reported interference incidents included interrupted communications due to noise in the flight crew's headphones, according to the study.


happy & Safe flying to all from Sybil, Polly and Manuel!

BF