Do you really need to turn off your cellphone on airplanes?

You know you have to do it but have you ever wondered why exactly you need to put your phone in airplane mode while flying?
Interesting Engineering

For frequent flyers, the ritual of switching off electronic devices and putting them in airplane mode before takeoff is a familiar one. While some passengers may find this rule inconvenient or unnecessary, it is actually in place for the safety of all those onboard.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows the use of electronic devices on airplanes as long as the airline permits it. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits the use of cell phones on planes to prevent any potential disruption to cellular towers on the ground. While there are no recorded instances of cell phone usage causing plane crashes, the airlines and regulatory bodies continue to take precautions to ensure a safe flight.

One such precaution is the avoidance of electronic devices that may interfere with the plane's equipment, such as radio altimeters, which are critical for determining the plane's altitude. While some may consider the idea of a cell phone or tablet interfering with a plane's systems to be far-fetched, there have been incidents where electronic devices have caused deviations in flight paths. In one such incident in 1999, a passenger using a handheld DVD player caused the plane to deviate 30 degrees before the device was turned off. Fortunately, the plane arrived safely at its destination, but this event serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious.

Despite the absence of evidence that electronic devices can cause plane crashes, the safety of passengers and crew is paramount. Airlines and regulatory bodies are committed to minimizing any potential risks, which is why passengers are asked to switch off their electronic devices or put them in airplane mode during takeoff and landing.

In conclusion, while some may find the rules around electronic devices on airplanes to be inconvenient or unnecessary, they are in place for the safety of all those onboard. The FAA permits the use of electronic devices on planes as long as the airline approves, while the FCC prohibits the use of cell phones to prevent interference with cellular towers on the ground. The precautionary measures taken by the airlines and regulatory bodies are necessary to ensure a safe flight and should be respected by all passengers.