CMU Studies Cell Phones in Flight
The Department of Engineering and Public Policy at CMU has determined that cell phones and other electronics that broadcast signals can disrupt airplane electronics even more than previously thought. One of the more important technologies affected is GPS, which is becoming more widely used during landing.
Here's the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article.
A few years ago, I stopped turning off my cell phone before flying because I decided the rule prohibiting activated cell phones on flights was ridiculous. The FCC has similar feelings, apparently, as they have recently been thinking about lifting the ban.
The CMU study, however, puts things in a different light, and I think I'll resume turning my cell phone off before flights in the future.
This month's IEEE Spectrum has some more technical information on the study.
Comments
What? You stopped turning off your cell phone when you were specifically told by the cabin crew to do so? Why...you're nothing but a renegade. I bet you don't even review the safety pamphlet in the seatback in front of you? And you probably don't make sure that your tray table is locked or that your seatback has come to its full upright position. Do you even pay attention to the flight attendants when they are pointing out the overwing exits, or what to do in case of a water landing? And have you ever read the list of complimentary beverages which is located in the back of our award-winning in-flight magazine? You mean to tell me that the only thing you do when you board an airplane is sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight? Why...you're a rebel...and you'll never ever be any better.
Posted by: arc | March 2, 2006 10:37 PM