Is WiFi a potential flight safety problem?
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Yes, let's definitely look at the CAA report.
Should the passenger ban continue? For sure. But read the document - read the nature of the test, the proximity to the avionics - if the text is too hard, look at the photo in Appendix 8
What they were simulating was the active use of mobiles in the cockpit, not Mrs Jones in row 10 who's forgotten to turn her phone off. The idea that this is just a passenger issue isn't true, and it isn't the CAA's conclusion either. (See section 7 'Recommendations')
Should the passenger ban continue? For sure. But read the document - read the nature of the test, the proximity to the avionics - if the text is too hard, look at the photo in Appendix 8
What they were simulating was the active use of mobiles in the cockpit, not Mrs Jones in row 10 who's forgotten to turn her phone off. The idea that this is just a passenger issue isn't true, and it isn't the CAA's conclusion either. (See section 7 'Recommendations')
Cunning Artificer
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No matter what theories one can produce or what anyone thinks is safe, under FARs and JARs it is an offence for anyone to use or permit to be used, any device that intentionally emits electromagnetic radiation in an aircraft, at any time, unless the device has been proven not to cause interference with the aircraft systems. The regulations don't say how much radiation or what frequency, they categorically cover ALL transmitting devices that haven't been specifically tested. There are perfectly good reasons for the rules, based on testing carried out by the RTCA on behalf of ICAO and the FAA.
The laptops used on Lufthansa's Connexion demonstration flights were all tested and found not to affect the aircraft systems. LH propose to lend PCs to people who wish to use the service. Eventually control standards will be introduced to permit general use of Wi-Fi equipment on aircraft. Until then it remains unlawful to use any transmitting device unless it has been proven not to interfere with the aircraft systems. Bring your certificate.
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Through difficulties to the cinema
The laptops used on Lufthansa's Connexion demonstration flights were all tested and found not to affect the aircraft systems. LH propose to lend PCs to people who wish to use the service. Eventually control standards will be introduced to permit general use of Wi-Fi equipment on aircraft. Until then it remains unlawful to use any transmitting device unless it has been proven not to interfere with the aircraft systems. Bring your certificate.
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Through difficulties to the cinema
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In the paper today, two airlines announced plans for wi-fi inflight capability in the very near future. I have misplaced the article and forgotten the names. I believe they were US carriers. My guess, in two years, nearly everyone will have it.
PT
PT
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I doubt there's anything special about the Lufthansa setup. It's off the shelf Cisco Aironets for the routing, and something equally off the shelf at the laptop end I'd expect. There are people who'd argue that the CAT5 part of the setup is worse for emissions.
I guess one could have manufacturers who didn't follow the power or frequency standards (lets say Acme Inc. sell 'WifiMegaBooster') so then there in that case there is an untested scenario.
Arguably if you were close enough to the avionics, and you boost say 20x, you'd now be in the same territory as the CAA tests on mobiles. (with Mag comp. deflections, VOR swing, that kind of stuff)
I guess one could have manufacturers who didn't follow the power or frequency standards (lets say Acme Inc. sell 'WifiMegaBooster') so then there in that case there is an untested scenario.
Arguably if you were close enough to the avionics, and you boost say 20x, you'd now be in the same territory as the CAA tests on mobiles. (with Mag comp. deflections, VOR swing, that kind of stuff)
Last edited by paulo; 13th Jun 2003 at 04:33.
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(I'm coming at this from a hypothetical "is it safe".
Most times I fly I am expressly permitted by the FAA regulations mentioned above to make the judgement myself, but I'm not really interested in having a laptop hit me on the head in the middle of a roll
Most times I fly I am expressly permitted by the FAA regulations mentioned above to make the judgement myself, but I'm not really interested in having a laptop hit me on the head in the middle of a roll
Last edited by paulo; 13th Jun 2003 at 07:25.
