I was on a flight last night, and the FAs were in their jump seats for the last 45 minutes of the flight because of thunderstorms. So, they did not walk
through the isles and force everyone to turn off their ipods and computers. Naturally, the jerk next to me kept his headphones and ipod on the entire time,
even after we were told to turn everying off. I always heard the electronics interfered with the plane's navigation system -- is that not true? Are ipods
and laptops not dangerous to the plane?
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Electronics - question
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 UndueBurden |
Electronics - question |
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Posts: 73 (09/29/09 08:34:09) |
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OneAnt |
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Posts: 893 (09/29/09 11:48:13) |
Are they dangerous to the plane? No!!
There is a possibility that certain kinds of electronics could interfere with onboard systems, but it's very unlikely and has, so far, not been an issue. The key is when they're asking you to turn them off. Takeoff and landing are when timing can be critical, so anything that might interfere with either the electronics OR (and I think more importantly) your ability to react to, and comply with, crewmember instructions is disallowed. For example: a tray table being down or a laptop in your lap are things that would hinder a quick evacuation; earphones could cause you not to hear the instructions being given. I've been that jerk next to you before. On probably half my flights I leave an earbud in the ear closest to the window side during takeoff and landing. I'm still here. 
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Capn Steve |
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Posts: 637 (09/30/09 13:45:52) |
There is anecdotal evidence that large numbers of electronic devices in use on a flight CAN interfere with the airplane's avionics. Enough to convince me
that the "No Devices during Critical Phases of Flight" regulation is completely justified.
Flight crews have enough to do during the departure, descent, approach, and landing phases without having to deal with possible erratic nav signals caused by a bunch of PEDs. So please, people, just turn the damn things off already. Read, or look out the window, or whatever, to keep yourself amused. Would just one device in use cause a problem? I seriously doubt it. So there's no need to panic when you see the idiot across the aisle using his. (Just give him a sufficiently dirty look.) Cheers. Steve |
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Note from Capt. Tom I know everyone worries about weather, but pilots really do not worry about it. We simply - instead of worrying about it - completely prepare for it. Before going to the plane, we review the weather at the destination. If it is not 100% sure to be within legal limits when we arrive at the destination, we must specify an alternate airport in our planning documents, and load on plenty of fuel for going to the destination airport, and then if need be, diverting to the alternate airport. The legal limits are conservative. Even when weather is slightly outside the legal limits, any airline pilot could still land safely. You can rely on the captain never to land when the weather is not legal, and legality limits are reached prior to safety limits. If you are still anxious, call me and we can talk it over. I'm at 877 332-7359 from 10 AM until 7 PM Eastern time. For effective help, even if you are flying in a day or two, sign up now at www.fearofflying.com/fasttrack and call me when you finish Clip 9 so I can make sure you are all set. |
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Click on the "LOCAL RADAR" button to see whether or not there are thunder- Turbulence, though it may cause anxiety, does not mean anything is wrong. Turbulence does not mean danger. The plane can handle far more turbulence than Mother Nature can dish out. Though flying in turbulence is safe, it doesn't feel safe. And here is where the SOAR programs come in. We can help you feel as safe when you fly as you actually are. You can see these programs at www.fearofflying.com/store. |
