Why we’re finally allowed to use mobile phones during takeoff and landing

FOR the first time passengers will be able to use phones and tablets during takeoff and landing. Which begs the question, why did we need the rule in the first place?

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THERE’S some pretty solid evidence on what can bring down a plane, like storms or pilot error, but there has never been proof that a Gameboy could be the culprit. Still, for years airline passengers have not been able to use electronic devices during takeoff and landing. So, what gives?

“Better safe than sorry,” is the official reason given for the rule up to this point. Both the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the American FFA admit there is no proof that the devices interfere with the plane, but there’s no concrete evidence that they don’t either. However, an estimated seven million passengers don’t turn off their phone during takeoff and landing in the US each year with no associated incidents, leaving many people to question the validity of the rule.

Thankfully, common sense has now prevailed. CASA, like the FFA has updated its regulations to allow electronic devices under 1kg (still no laptops) to be used on takeoff and landing, as long as they’re in flight mode. Qantas applied for approval from CASA last month to allow its passengers to take advantage of the new rules. Virgin Australia also announced on Friday that it will work immediately to allow personal electronic devices to be used from gate to gate and will update customers sometime this week.

And why can’t passengers use phones without flight mode on?

There’s sound reasoning as to why mobile networks should not be used. You know when you have your phone too close to the radio when you’re getting a message or call it makes that electronic buzzing sound? That’s the same sound that pilots hear over their radio from mobile frequencies. Now imagine that sound multiplied by a hundred devices while air control is trying to tell the pilots to abort their landing.

Seems like reason enough to give Angry Birds a break for 10 minutes, doesn’t it?