Random Air Plane Question

[shervinj]

How come you can't use your cellular phone on a plane. I have heard so many different stories. Just curious what the real reason is

 

[Legendary]

I think it's because the waves from the cell phone cause interference with the waves from the many airplane antennae.

 

[minendo]

A guy explained it to me this way: The problem arises that the airport towers are searching for a small signal in a large area, while cell phones pull signals to them and make it difficult to spot airplanes on the radar.

 

[etech]

minendo, Your friend does not know what he is talking about.

Cell phones emit an RF signal. The fear is that will disrupt the aircrafts onboard electronics.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - A British oil worker who refused to switch off his mobile phone during a flight from Britain to Spain was sentenced on Wednesday to 12 months in jail.

"``Proliferation of ownership of mobile phones and an increasing number of reports from pilots of electromagnetic interference makes this a priority,'' said the judge at Manchester Crown Court in northern England. "

I've noticed that I am not allowed to use my cell phone in airplanes or in hospitals. Why are these prohibitions in place? Also, why can't I use my laptop on an airplane during takeoff and landing?

 

[BlueApple]

Originally posted by: minendo
A guy explained it to me this way: The problem arises that the airport towers are searching for a small signal in a large area, while cell phones pull signals to them and make it difficult to spot airplanes on the radar.

If that was the case, wouldn't they ban cell phones from the airport and the area around it?