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Restrictions on the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) during takeoff and landing on airplanes are in place due to concerns about radio emissions interfering with aircraft electronic systems. The FAA and similar organizations have adopted a “better safe than sorry” approach, with most PEDs required to be turned off during takeoff and landing. A study group has been established to determine which devices, if any, can be used safely. While there is no conclusive evidence that PED emissions can interfere with modern aircraft systems, a ban on their use below 10,000 feet is considered the most sensible option. Cell phones are prohibited during a flight due to the possibility of interference with ground communications at airports.
As the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) has exploded, so have complaints about restrictions on their use, especially during aircraft takeoffs and landings. These regulations arose out of concerns that radio emissions from PEDs could interfere with aircraft electronic systems. Take-off and landing are critical moments in flight and require the crew’s full attention, constant communication with air traffic control, and proper functioning of all instruments. Opponents of these restrictions say the use of devices such as mobile phones has not been shown to have a definitive effect on any aircraft operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries have adopted the “better safe than sorry” approach.
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As of 2013, FAA regulations state that cell phones must not be used at all times during a flight, and most other PEDs, such as laptops, CD players, and gaming machines, must be turned off during takeoff and landing. landing. In most cases, takeoff and landing periods are defined as when the aircraft is below 10,000 feet (3,048m). On average, it takes an aircraft about 15-20 minutes to reach this altitude, so the restrictions only apply for two relatively short periods at the beginning and end of the flight. There are some devices that are exempt, including heart pacemakers, hearing aids and electric razors, as these are known not to cause interference. The ban originally dates back to 1988 and was intended not only to prevent radio interference but also to avoid the possibility of injury from PEDs flying around or passengers’ attention being distracted during safety demonstrations.
In August 2012, it was announced that the FAA would reconsider its restrictions on the use of PEDs, although the cell phone ban would remain. A study group has been established to look into test methods and determine which devices, if any, can be used safely. As of 2013, the FAA is awaiting the panel’s recommendations.
Many modern airplanes have WiFi® systems that allow passengers to access the Internet through laptops and other devices. These systems are tested for compatibility with avionics electronics and must be approved by the FAA. However, it is not permitted to make calls using Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) applications, in order not to disturb other passengers.
Electronic systems for aircraft
Airplanes contain a variety of electronic systems to enable communication with the ground, assist navigation, and monitor the behavior of critical components and equipment. These systems are collectively known as avionics. Many of them involve the transmission and reception of radio signals and are therefore potentially susceptible to interference from devices that produce radio waves at similar frequencies. Radio frequency radiation can also induce electrical currents in the wiring, so other avionics systems may be affected.
Modern aircraft avionics are shielded from interference, but older aircraft without adequate shielding may still be in service, and shielding may not be complete in any case. Systems that use external antennas to receive signals are more at risk of interference as they are designed to pick up very weak signals and cannot be shielded. An aircraft’s aluminum frame can shield radio waves, but there are gaps, such as windows, through which interfering signals can pass and be picked up by antennas outside. The chassis can also act as a resonant cavity, which amplifies the signals from the PEDs.
Portable electronic devices and their effects
All electrical equipment produces radio waves, whether intentional or not. Cell phones and Internet-connected devices need to do this in order to communicate with other devices. Perhaps less well known is the fact that CD and MP3 players, for example, also emit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. PEDs have been shown to be capable of producing emissions across most of the radio spectrum used by aircraft systems. There is no evidence that these would actually interfere with avionics, but there are a number of documented incidents, reported by pilots and other airline personnel, which strongly suggest such interference.
There is a huge variety of portable electronic devices of various types and brands, and controlling the strength and frequencies of the emissions from each is impractical. While there is no conclusive evidence that PED emissions can interfere with modern aircraft systems, there are too many unknowns to be considered safe for use at crucial moments, such as takeoff and landing. While some devices, such as laptops, have built-in electronic shielding, it may deteriorate over time, become damaged, or be removed and not replaced during an upgrade, so there is no guarantee that they will not produce emissions. Since it is not possible to verify the compatibility of all individual PEDs with aviation systems, a ban on the use of all such devices below 10,000 feet (3048m) is considered the most sensible option.
Cell phones transmit strong signals that can be received over great distances. This raises the possibility that they could interfere not only with aircraft systems, but also with ground communications at airports. This is why their use is prohibited during a flight. Many modern cell phones have an “airplane” mode, which prevents you from making calls but allows you to use some other functions, such as playing games. The use of telephones in this mode may be permitted, but is left up to the individual airlines.
