Handshake overload and poor signal boosting causing interference both make sense, but I believe there is a bigger safety reason that has been missed. They ask people to not use electronic devices and remove headphones so pax are more aware of surroundings during take off and landing. People will be more likely to pay attention to crew requests in an emergency and will react faster. Also they may look out the window and identify issues too.
This whole thing about interference with Nav equip was a "furphy" AKA "lie" put out in the early days by Telstra. Using mobiles above a certain altitude didn't let the towers know who to charge for the call. They have now fixed that "problem". Telstra believe that speech shouldn't be free!
I sat next to a pilot dead legging the other day and he said he imagines there’d be at least 100 phones not switched off on his regular flights ex Australia. Apparently it’s not a problem but airlines have just chosen not to make an announcement about it for whatever reason. I noticed He was using his iPad which is how the conversation got started. Having said that, I notice there is a point when ones phone does stop getting a signal and it also is v embarrassing when the phone rings mid flight so I try to at least turn the ringer off.
A friend of mine was on a plane to Tamworth a few years ago and whilst landing in a ferocious storm the copilot made an announcement to the effect that the passenger using the mobile phone to turn it off straight away. Would be interested to hear what pilots have to say.
I sat next to a pilot dead legging the other day and he said he imagines there’d be at least 100 phones not switched off on his regular flights ex Australia. Apparently it’s not a problem but airlines have just chosen not to make an announcement about it for whatever reason. I noticed He was using his iPad which is how the conversation got started. Having said that, I notice there is a point when ones phone does stop getting a signal and it also is v embarrassing when the phone rings mid flight so I try to at least turn the ringer off.
Just a question. Doesn't the Pre takeoff announcements say turn your phone to flight mode if you don't have flight mode then turn your phone off.
buckles89
buckles89
Member since 03 Aug 2017
Total posts 1
Handshake overload and poor signal boosting causing interference both make sense, but I believe there is a bigger safety reason that has been missed. They ask people to not use electronic devices and remove headphones so pax are more aware of surroundings during take off and landing. People will be more likely to pay attention to crew requests in an emergency and will react faster. Also they may look out the window and identify issues too.
tonyw
tonyw
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 18 Jul 2015
Total posts 17
This whole thing about interference with Nav equip was a "furphy" AKA "lie" put out in the early days by Telstra. Using mobiles above a certain altitude didn't let the towers know who to charge for the call. They have now fixed that "problem". Telstra believe that speech shouldn't be free!
monoccular
monoccular
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Dec 2017
Total posts 3
My understanding from a very senior training captain in a leading airline is that there is zero risk.
Mrminivee
Mrminivee
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 05 Mar 2018
Total posts 20
No they don't so it's quite different.
Yes they do, they use SITAOnAir. Allows you to call and text while in the air.
Janeblogs
Janeblogs
Member since 27 Nov 2016
Total posts 15
I sat next to a pilot dead legging the other day and he said he imagines there’d be at least 100 phones not switched off on his regular flights ex Australia. Apparently it’s not a problem but airlines have just chosen not to make an announcement about it for whatever reason. I noticed He was using his iPad which is how the conversation got started. Having said that, I notice there is a point when ones phone does stop getting a signal and it also is v embarrassing when the phone rings mid flight so I try to at least turn the ringer off.
Gilflyer
Gilflyer
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Jan 2017
Total posts 10
A friend of mine was on a plane to Tamworth a few years ago and whilst landing in a ferocious storm the copilot made an announcement to the effect that the passenger using the mobile phone to turn it off straight away. Would be interested to hear what pilots have to say.
Jedi
Jedi
Member since 04 May 2018
Total posts 15
Just a question. Doesn't the Pre takeoff announcements say turn your phone to flight mode if you don't have flight mode then turn your phone off.
Bollen
Bollen
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 Dec 2017
Total posts 32
It's the best feeling to be phone free for a few hours!! I turn it to flight mode as soon as I can :)