When we talk about security on the airplanes, everyone has a little idea about it. In particular, the use of electronic devices during the flight. Some people think it’s dangerous to use them while others don’t really believe in these prohibitions. So what about it? Response elements
Security instructions on a plane
The holidays come, you are looking forward to your heavenly beach, your feet in the water with a cocktail in your hand. Before that, you have to go to the airport to take your plane that will take you to destination. There, horror. During the safety instructions unveiled by the on-board staff, an ad stings your heart and whips you at zero.
“Thank you for turning off your mobile phones and other electronic devices during the flight”
Perplexed, you don't understand such a hard work. Your technology addiction has been proven and you have a real need to use your smartphone or tablet. No, formal prohibition! But why? Everything is about radio waves and interference. A technical language but very simple to understand.
The effects of electronic devices on a plane
The use of an electronic device creates radio waves. They then come to interfere with the instruments aboard the cockpit, the electronic elements (called aeroplane) that help the aircraft’s flight. The data emitted by these instruments are then distorted by the interferences of your electronic devices.
In reality, use is prohibited during the take-off and landing phase. In fact, you can only use an electronic device if the aircraft is below 3000 metres of altitude. Above, during the flight phase as such, you can use a laptop or a music player because they do not send signals on the contrary from mobile phones.
A warranted ban?
Many people remain sceptical to this prohibition. Although no cases of dysfunction have been clearly observed, many testimonies of professionals exist. These testimonies then prove a link between the use of a mobile phone and problems in the cockpit.
These events are collected anonymously by the Aviation Safety Reporting System . For example, it can be discovered that instruments have been interfered and that they have disappeared when the order to shut down electronic devices has been given.
Authorizations in certain companies
However, despite these testimonies, some airlines allow passengers to use electronic devices throughout the flight (even during take-off and landing). Thus, Air France allows the use of these devices if they are non-communicant (so in air mode). For the French company, based on tests, the aircraft do not in any way hinder the piloting of the aircraft.
On Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airlines, it is a system on board that allows passengers to use their aircraft that have OnAir or AeroMobile (aircraft wifi providers). The emissions are captured by stations that then redirect waves to satellites and then terrestrial networks.
Towards full use of electronic devices?
In the future, many aviation specialists and professionals believe that total freedom in the use of electronic devices will be possible. For example, you could send SMS from your seat to thousands of meters of altitude. To arrive at this stage, it will be necessary first of all to prove that the risk does not exist. The safety of the flights passes above all.
Otherwise, you can show yourself reasonable and opt for a total absence of electronic objects during your flight. The perfect time to read a good book, draw with your children or watch the landscape scroll under your eyes. After all, the holidays are at the end of this flight.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Sam Churchill
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