I'm very amused by the idea of diving the plane if one is detected... wouldnt do it myself, but its funny to read!
Dont know about the rest of you, but under Australian regs we've got a bone fide way of dealing with mobile users on the plane.. Ive threatened it myself to SLF but never been required to carry through.
CAR 224 states that the PIC is responsible for
"the operation and SAFETY of the aircraft during flight time"
I would suggest that, due to radio interference possibilities at the least, mobile phones present a hazard to the safety of the aircraft.
CAR 309 states that
"A person who, on an aircraft in flight, whether within or outside Australian territory, is found committing, or reasonably suspected of having committed, or having attempted to commit, or of being about to commit, an offence against the Act or these Regulations may be arrested without warrant by a member of the crew of the aircraft in the same manner as a person who is found committing a felony may, at common law, be arrested by a constable and shall be dealt with in the same manner as a person so arrested by a constable."
In other words... remind your SLF that it is under your discretion as PIC whether or not to arrest them and have have them dealt with by police on a charge of 'threatening the safety of an aircraft'.
Or if you are in an unpressurised craft like the PA28, chuck the offending phone out the window!
Lasior