Multi function cellular phones
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From: Orlando, Florida
Multi function cellular phones
I recently upgraded my cellphone/mobile - and now have a handset that has numerous functions and applications that are not involved in making or receiving telephone calls (or any other data transmission/reception).
I suppose it's a "PDA" (Palm Pilot, whatever) in a cellular phone.
According to the manual, the phone has "Airplane Mode" (which it says is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration - in which the transmission/reception functions are locked, but all the handheld computer functions still work.
If you were walking down the cabin, after having made the cabin announcement to turn off cell-phones, and saw me talking into the open flip-phone (leaving myself a voice reminder message), would you accept the argument that the equipment is FAA approved for use in flight??
I've never heard of "Airplane Mode" before. Are these things new or old news now?
Let me finish by saying that, as a pilot, if a crew member asked me to do ANYTHING (legal), I would do it without hesitation - and maybe then open discussion afterwards. It's your plane, not mine.
Would be interested in responses from crews both inside and outside Federal airspace.
I suppose it's a "PDA" (Palm Pilot, whatever) in a cellular phone.
According to the manual, the phone has "Airplane Mode" (which it says is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration - in which the transmission/reception functions are locked, but all the handheld computer functions still work.
If you were walking down the cabin, after having made the cabin announcement to turn off cell-phones, and saw me talking into the open flip-phone (leaving myself a voice reminder message), would you accept the argument that the equipment is FAA approved for use in flight??
I've never heard of "Airplane Mode" before. Are these things new or old news now?
Let me finish by saying that, as a pilot, if a crew member asked me to do ANYTHING (legal), I would do it without hesitation - and maybe then open discussion afterwards. It's your plane, not mine.
Would be interested in responses from crews both inside and outside Federal airspace.
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From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Great topic!!! I think that (please correct me if I'm wrong) the decision to ban phones in-flight is largely to ensure peace in the cabin, as opposed to avoiding interference with aircraft systems.
Modern airliners are so very advanced in terms of technology, I would be soooooooooooo surprised if a cell phone could flummox one.
I think that airlines banned them for the same reason as they banned smoking - to ensure passenger comfort.
Modern airliners are so very advanced in terms of technology, I would be soooooooooooo surprised if a cell phone could flummox one.
I think that airlines banned them for the same reason as they banned smoking - to ensure passenger comfort.
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From: Arizona
Hello there,
I always ask, "Sir/Ma'am, is the communication function turned off on your phone?", and so far it always has been. Usually they are so proud of their gadget (as I would be if I weren't holding on to my circa 1999 model, alas) that they show me the screen, explain the myriad functions, etc.
So many new functions are coming out on those things every day, I think they understand that all I can do is ask ( with a smile).
I always ask, "Sir/Ma'am, is the communication function turned off on your phone?", and so far it always has been. Usually they are so proud of their gadget (as I would be if I weren't holding on to my circa 1999 model, alas) that they show me the screen, explain the myriad functions, etc.
So many new functions are coming out on those things every day, I think they understand that all I can do is ask ( with a smile).
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I think that (please correct me if I'm wrong) the decision to ban phones in-flight is largely to ensure peace in the cabin, as opposed to avoiding interference with aircraft systems.
However, I do recall learning that mobile phones are banned because they can interfere with signals used for navigation, for example the ILS signal. The theory is not simple if I remember correctly, but that is the reason.
I don't think the measure is there just to keep the cabin peaceful.
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From: An airport near you!
To date I have seen little of this technology on our aircraft. Probably due to the fact it is still relatively new and expensive in Australia.
I work for an international leisure carrier as opposed to a domestic airline, where they would be more likely to encounter these types of phones, given their high carriage of business passengers, so I have yet to encounter this one.
To ensure I'm not making assumptions based on ignorance I would speak to tech crew and management to ensure we have confirmation in writing that they are allowed to be used on the aircraft.
Reason being: Consistency.
Nothing worse than being told to shut something off when you have been given the ok the day before, on the same carrier, to use it.
And we all know there is always the odd nazi out there that isn't interested in your explanation.
Can't see outside the square- It's a mobile phone you have to switch it off!
I work for an international leisure carrier as opposed to a domestic airline, where they would be more likely to encounter these types of phones, given their high carriage of business passengers, so I have yet to encounter this one.
To ensure I'm not making assumptions based on ignorance I would speak to tech crew and management to ensure we have confirmation in writing that they are allowed to be used on the aircraft.
Reason being: Consistency.
Nothing worse than being told to shut something off when you have been given the ok the day before, on the same carrier, to use it.
And we all know there is always the odd nazi out there that isn't interested in your explanation.
Can't see outside the square- It's a mobile phone you have to switch it off!
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From: Orlando, Florida
I would have absolutely no problem with a crew member (cabin, flight or ramp) asking - or demanding - that the unit be turned off (whether it's legal or not).
I bought it to make telephone calls with - any other toys are a bonus, but in no way important, and I wouldn't be able to do the 'other things' with my old phone....so nothing lost.
I am, however, particularly interested to note that the only totally positive response to its use in flight is from Arizona.
The instruction manual says it is approved by the FAA - but not necessarily anybody else.
I would also mention that my previous handset did make a tremendous amount of interference with any local electronic equipment in its local area - computers would crackle, monitors would flash.........and it was a total disaster in the television studio that I work in. Certainly my previous phone was a hazard to other electronic equipment.
I bought it to make telephone calls with - any other toys are a bonus, but in no way important, and I wouldn't be able to do the 'other things' with my old phone....so nothing lost.
I am, however, particularly interested to note that the only totally positive response to its use in flight is from Arizona.
The instruction manual says it is approved by the FAA - but not necessarily anybody else.
I would also mention that my previous handset did make a tremendous amount of interference with any local electronic equipment in its local area - computers would crackle, monitors would flash.........and it was a total disaster in the television studio that I work in. Certainly my previous phone was a hazard to other electronic equipment.
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From: An airport near you!
Greetings Dr Phil
Nazi away!
I have no objection to people being asked to shut off their phone walking across the tarmac. After all one doesn't stand at the petrol pump filling up, chatting away on the mobile. (Well at least we hope not!)
Portable electronic devices of any description, must be shut off for takeoff and landing.
I'll be back domestically flying again shortly so I guess I'll do some research for my first encounter with these new gadgets.
And have the appropriate response when asked if it can be used.
In some countries passengers are permitted to use their mobile phones on the aircraft until the L1 door is closed. So I prefer that people are asked nicely, with a full explanation as to why they can't use their phones, to kindly switch them off.
I cannot tell you how many times I hear F/A's ask (tell) our passengers rudely, to turn their phones off.
It really is one of my bugbears.
Nazi away!
I have no objection to people being asked to shut off their phone walking across the tarmac. After all one doesn't stand at the petrol pump filling up, chatting away on the mobile. (Well at least we hope not!)
Portable electronic devices of any description, must be shut off for takeoff and landing.
I'll be back domestically flying again shortly so I guess I'll do some research for my first encounter with these new gadgets.
And have the appropriate response when asked if it can be used.
In some countries passengers are permitted to use their mobile phones on the aircraft until the L1 door is closed. So I prefer that people are asked nicely, with a full explanation as to why they can't use their phones, to kindly switch them off.
I cannot tell you how many times I hear F/A's ask (tell) our passengers rudely, to turn their phones off.
It really is one of my bugbears.
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From: just nowhere
For example, with Ericsson P800/P900, when the unit is in in-flight mode, the power amplifier is automaticaly turned off so, it neidher recieves nor sends any info to a seving cell...it's harmless since it works only with PDA functions and it can't interfere with plane's instruments. In other case, the phone will search for network and since there is no one on 10000 meters it will eventualu, after a certain period of inactivity turn PA off itself...again no send/recieve from phone and no harm... but I really can't say what happens on land while still there are available networks and how that can have influence to airplanes instruments/gear.
I think that the rule for turning off the phone is mainly there because of peace and quiet in cabin surrounding...but that's just my oppinion.
Drive safely,
SKYLINE
I think that the rule for turning off the phone is mainly there because of peace and quiet in cabin surrounding...but that's just my oppinion.
Drive safely,
SKYLINE
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From: Manchester
I work for a major UK charter airline. Our Civil Aviation Authority have stated that phones that have a "flight mode" may be used on board an aircraft, however this means that Cabin Crew will have to become experts in which phone has this mode. With this in mind they suggest a total ban. My airline has followed this guidline and makes the following PA
"Whilst on board this aircraft the use of mobile phones including those with flight mode is prohibitied"
Hope this helps
"Whilst on board this aircraft the use of mobile phones including those with flight mode is prohibitied"
Hope this helps
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From: Neither Here Nor There
Cathay Pacific (and HKG CAD) - allow the use of mobile/PDAs "as long as they are in AIRLINE/FLIGHT MODE".
Its seems different regulating authorities have differing opinions - yet again!
The chance of a mobile actually interferring with Aircraft Navigation is real.
I work at the pointy end and when the skippers mobile phone rang (prior to start) his Flight and Navigation screens flashed, the Warning Page of the aircraft system (Airbus ECAM) went blank and Autopilot disconnect alarm sounded.........the autopilot wasnt even engaged!
Trust me you would not want all this to happen at 300ft on approach in bad weather (and that is when it is most likely!)
My advice to ALL Cabin Crew is please, if in doubt, please, get them to turn it OFF.
Merry Christmas
Its seems different regulating authorities have differing opinions - yet again!
The chance of a mobile actually interferring with Aircraft Navigation is real.
I work at the pointy end and when the skippers mobile phone rang (prior to start) his Flight and Navigation screens flashed, the Warning Page of the aircraft system (Airbus ECAM) went blank and Autopilot disconnect alarm sounded.........the autopilot wasnt even engaged!
Trust me you would not want all this to happen at 300ft on approach in bad weather (and that is when it is most likely!)
My advice to ALL Cabin Crew is please, if in doubt, please, get them to turn it OFF.
Merry Christmas
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From: Finding Out on 121.50
I can see little reason why a phone would distupr nav equipment. After all most A/C these days are fitted with a marsat system anyway.
I would like to point out that I am sick of hearing phones polling in my headset.
You know that anoying click noice you get on the landline telephones when there is a mobile near by. Well I have noticed that headsets pick it up. I must admit I only found out what it was fairly recently when flying a PA28 and left my phone on, damb nearly drove me mad as it was in the luggage bay just out of reach.
I have always wondered why any one would want to use their mobile on a flight. Imonce had a tech problem and the ever helpful ATC gave me a tel number to call for an engineering company. However at FL070 could not get a signal! How the hell would you get a signal at FL300? Since then I have invested in a dual phone, it is both a GSM and a Marsat in one handset, just wainting for another gear red to test it!
I would like to point out that I am sick of hearing phones polling in my headset.
You know that anoying click noice you get on the landline telephones when there is a mobile near by. Well I have noticed that headsets pick it up. I must admit I only found out what it was fairly recently when flying a PA28 and left my phone on, damb nearly drove me mad as it was in the luggage bay just out of reach.
I have always wondered why any one would want to use their mobile on a flight. Imonce had a tech problem and the ever helpful ATC gave me a tel number to call for an engineering company. However at FL070 could not get a signal! How the hell would you get a signal at FL300? Since then I have invested in a dual phone, it is both a GSM and a Marsat in one handset, just wainting for another gear red to test it!
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Somewhere South of the Limpopo
The initial query from Keygrip seems to refer to something like the Nokia 9210i
The mobile has a "Flight Mode" that turns off all eternal transmissions and signals - but allows the 'PDA' part of the handset to be used, in 'flip-open' mode.
The office function, spreadsheet and voice memo can be used without any external electronic signal transmission - but to any third party, it would appear that the 'phone is still 'on', so the perception is created....
I agree with G-Fox tho' - Iv'e left my mobile on (by mistake) in my flight bag on the back seat of a small GA airplane before, and there is nothing more anoying than speaking to the tower for clearance with the interference in your headphones - you can always hear other traffic with cell-phones left on in the general radio calls as well...
Of interest, I see in some US flight mags (I'm in darkest Africa) that you can buy mobile handset adapters for the intercom / headset system - I know that here it is illegal to use a cell-phone in GA aircraft, but I do not know the US law on the subject - interesting point tho' given the interference with RX comms.
I must admit, given all the above, that my cell came in useful on a night flight when I had complete electrical failure in a C210 - called the tower and got all clearances by phone, including nice bright runway lights...
R
The mobile has a "Flight Mode" that turns off all eternal transmissions and signals - but allows the 'PDA' part of the handset to be used, in 'flip-open' mode.
The office function, spreadsheet and voice memo can be used without any external electronic signal transmission - but to any third party, it would appear that the 'phone is still 'on', so the perception is created....
I agree with G-Fox tho' - Iv'e left my mobile on (by mistake) in my flight bag on the back seat of a small GA airplane before, and there is nothing more anoying than speaking to the tower for clearance with the interference in your headphones - you can always hear other traffic with cell-phones left on in the general radio calls as well...
Of interest, I see in some US flight mags (I'm in darkest Africa) that you can buy mobile handset adapters for the intercom / headset system - I know that here it is illegal to use a cell-phone in GA aircraft, but I do not know the US law on the subject - interesting point tho' given the interference with RX comms.
I must admit, given all the above, that my cell came in useful on a night flight when I had complete electrical failure in a C210 - called the tower and got all clearances by phone, including nice bright runway lights...
R
