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Every person who has flown on an aeroplane knows what to do during takeoff and landing.

“Please ensure your seats are in the upright position, tray tables stowed, window shades are up, laptops are stored in the overhead bins, and electronic devices are set to flight mode.”

The first few protocols make sense, because, in case of an emergency, the space needs to be optimised for a quick escape.

But do we really need to put our phones on flight mode and give up our communication for the duration of the flight, if not just during the critical moments of going up and coming back down?

Most of us understand that mobile phones can cause an emergency for the aeroplane if they are active, so that’s why flight mode needs to be implemented so as to block any potentially pesky signals from interfering with the flight.

As The Daily Maverick notes, research has shown personal electronic devices can emit a signal within the same frequency band as the aircraft’s communications and navigation systems, creating what is known as electromagnetic interference.

But the current standard of digital technology is much more advanced when compared to the older technologies used 60 years ago:

…in 1992, the US Federal Aviation Authority and Boeing, in an independent study, investigated the use of electronic devices on aircraft interference and found no issues with computers or other personal electronic devices during non-critical phases of flight. (Take-offs and landings are considered the critical phases.)

The US Federal Communications Commission also basically started separating the signals and using reserved frequency bandwidths for different uses, so that interference wouldn’t be much of a thing.

Since aviation navigation and communication relying on radio services has been coordinated in order to minimise interference for over a century already, perhaps flight mode isn’t all that necessary anymore.

But, in fact, banning the use of mobile phones is still necessary thanks to a little-known reason:

Wireless networks are connected by a series of towers; the networks could become overloaded if passengers flying over these ground networks are all using their phones. The number of passengers that flew in 2021 was over 2.2 billion, and that’s half of what the 2019 passenger numbers were. The wireless companies might have a point here.

Additionally, the aviation industry has become worried about the move over to 5G wireless networks, which has a bandwidth spectrum that is remarkably close to the reserved aviation bandwidth spectrum.

This is cause for concern as 5G can interfere with the navigation systems near airports that assist with the landing of aircraft.

So, unfortunately, until the issues around 5G are sorted out, it is still prudent to limit mobile phone use on planes during these critical moments.

Not to mention how much easier it is for the cabin crew to do their jobs when everyone is present and attentive, instead of chattering away on their phone.

[source:dailymaverick]