Were walkmans allowed during the 1980's?

[Mark in CA]

I used a very early laptop (Radio Shack Model 100) on flights in 1983 without a problem. In fact, I was in first class sitting next to the manager of the TWA Ambassador lounge at BOS, who expressed interest in my computer, and just as I switched it on to show her how it worked, the plane banked sharply. Freaked me out for a moment until I realized the two events were unrelated. Never had a FA tell me to turn it off.

Not using devices during takeoff and landing may have as much to do with not wanting these objects flying around the cabin should an incident occur as it does with avoiding distraction.

[ExXB]

You mean like my 1.2kg hard cover Steve Jobs biography?

[edi_local]

Most of the Steve Jobs biographies don't have glass screens or metal components inside them, nor do they have a battery which could be quite hot depending on how long it's been on.

Not suggesting being hit by a 1.2kg book is a fun in flight activity, but there's no chance of that smashing glass shards in to my face.

[Leftofcentre2009]

I would say its a case of the Airlines wanting passengers to pay attention to the safety briefing and having a little respect for the FAs performing such demonstration.

When I pilot my light aircraft, I often leave my Iphone switched on. Indeed I have even been known to send a txt to persons on the ground during flight.

I also have RunwayHD software with external GPS running on my Ipad which I use for secondary navigation. This software is also installed on my iPhone as a further backup.

I have as yet, not experienced Radio Blackout/Transponder Failure/Gyro callapse or anything else for that matter.

[jumpseater]

I can recall using them as Pax during flights, without problem except for one incident, you were told to remove/turn them off whilst the safety brief was performed. I was on a US internal flight LA to Chicago when after depart I was told to take the headphones off until the seatbelt sign was off, which was a bit weird, as by that time the hosties were starting the tartcart service.

[Davef68]

I can recall using a PDA (non-wifi capable) on flights to read e-books in the early 2000s, including during take off and landing, and not being asked to switch it off. It was usually just phones you were asked to turn off, then it became all portable electronic equipment. These days, I usually have to remember to carry something to read until I can switch my Kindle back on!!

It has killed the habit of people taking photos of their house out the windows!!

[mixture]

I also have RunwayHD software with external GPS running on my Ipad which I use for secondary navigation. This software is also installed on my iPhone as a further backup.

Aah.....a child of the magenta line.

[Leftofcentre2009]

And a child of the Tablet, Smart phone, World Wide Web, Microwave Oven and Digital Wrist Watch.....

.... not to mention Fly By Wire, High Bypass Gas Turbine Engines, Cat III Autoland, Alternate Law , and, err Run Flat Tyres

Sooo, are you one of Thatchers Children?

[PAXboy]

Good to know that a light aircraft, an iPad and an iPhone have stood in for an A380 with more than 500 people with all their phones and pads and RF radiating junk.

[Leftofcentre2009]

chuckle chuckle

Remember passengers - switch off that goddamn mobile/cell phone! 300 million worth of Avionics wont stand a chance and you will be doomed to a terrible, grizzly death.

[ZFT]

At the end of the day, whether or not consumer electronics causes any interference is immaterial. If the carrier’s rules state that you mustn’t use them, then that’s it.

I personally live in dread of the day when unrestricted use of mobiles is allowed and I’m not too impressed now with being bombarded with secondhand earphone ‘music’ screeching from my neighbouring passenger’s 21st century Walkman.

[ExXB]

Added 'Legal'. Recall illegal use much discussed.

ZFT, some airlines already permit use of phones in cruise, they actually facilitate it by providing PICO cells. Phones must be off for take-off and landing.

See: Emirates offers first mobile phone service onboard A380 Aircraft | Emirates United Arab Emirates

Funny, I haven't yet seen a complaint on this forum from a SLF who was bothered by other passengers LEGAL cell phone use. Not saying it doesn't happen but it appears to be not significant.

[edi_local]

I was on 4 EK A380s in the space of 3 weeks over the summer. All of them stated they had the onAir feature but only on one of them was I actually able to use it (first leg, LHR-DXB).

I sent 1 text message for the novelty factor and that was it. The cost, for me anyway, was too prohibitive to use it in any meaningful way, not to mention I had nothing to say anyway. I suppose the vast majority of people on board wouldn't really use such a service due to high costs anyway.

[ExXB]

I can remember when most aircraft had setback 'phones. Rarely used because of the cost, so they took them out again. I used them once, to call Hertz when our flight was diverted from Heathrow to Gatwick (Burger King fire in T1).

So, all the hysteria is mostly Jetwash.

[Leftofcentre2009]

I'm sure ive been on a Ryanair flight at some point within the last 5 years that has had onAir or similar.

And didnt the Virgin A343's have phones in the armrest?