I hate the argument of "Oh, my phone won't bring down a plane" or "They don't interfere" or "Not like anyone can stop me using my phone in the plane anyway" or "I'll just pretend to turn it off and then bring it out when the CC aren't looking".
Obviously, replace phone for any modern day electrical annoyance/item.
Yes, your phone may not cause the Pilot to lose all control and go nose first into the local park, but why can't people just follow simple instructions which are there for their own safety. What if the plane suddenly jerks violently sideways or up/downwards. That phone/iPad/Laptop that you're too busy playing angry birds on, that same one you paid more attention to than the CC who were telling you how to get off the plane in an emergency evac, will more than likely come flying out of your hand and hit the person next/behind/infront. It's the same thing that will divert your attention if an incident happens, that same thing that will block others path out of the aircraft should the unthinkable happen. Now who's fault is that? The gormless tweeter will say "Oh, I didn't know the plane would jerk, not my fault" but common sense and the law states that they shouldn't have had the damn thing out in the first place.
I rather think it's time that people who don't follow the rules on board and aircraft are made an example out of and I, for one, agree with the FAA on this one. This man, who can't be bothered to follow simple instructions from trained aircrew should not have an easy time getting on aircraft if he holds the rules of aviation in such low light. Sure, the loudmouth who tries to claim it's his human rights to play solitaire on approach to LHR will kick up a fuss and get support from bloggers and other associated hangers on, but it's time that some proper authority was given back to those in charge of aircraft over those who think the rules don't apply to them.
For the sensible people who turn off their phones and pay attention to Flight Crew instructions please accept my rantings.
