Should You Use Your Mobile Phone on an Airplane?

Have you ever tried using a mobile phone above 5000ft? Firstly, it is highly unlikely that you will catch a signal; however that does not stop the phone searching for one. Although researchers and aircraft companies have found almost no concrete evidence of cell phones or other electronic devices interfering with aircraft systems, airlines prefer taking extra precautionary measures.

Commercial aircrafts today are equipped with modern GPS navigation systems; therefore, a mobile phone that is being used on an aircraft is unlikely to cause any issues to onboard flight deck navigation equipment. Frequent flyers are already familiar with the drill of only using certain electronic devices at cruising altitudes. All that said, 2 incidents have been where some electromagnetic interference had been suspected but not proven.

One such case was the Crossair flight 498 which crashed 2 minutes after takeoff from Zurich on 10th January 2000. Various tests were conducted on the same aircraft type – a SAAB 340B to see if they could replicate electromagnetic interference through the usage of mobile phones, however, they weren’t any evidence to show that mobile phones had any effect on the aircraft systems so the incident was mainly put down to pilot error.

In 2003, on approach to Christchurch Airport in New Zealand, an Air Adventures Piper Chieftain crashed in fog. There were 8 casualties including the sole pilot. On further investigation, it was reported that the pilot made a phone call whilst on the approach and which could have contributed to the crash as he descended below the minimum descent altitude.

There is, of course, always the surrounding suspicion that there may have been electromagnetic interference from making this call, but this too like the SAAB 340B was again not proven and it was more likely the distraction of the pilot making the call was the reason for the crash.

Even though it appears that the electromagnetic interference with aircraft systems is unlikely, however, there have been several distractions reported through the radio headsets when a mobile phone is looking for a signal.

Nowadays, some airlines have authorized the use of mobile phones in the air but via the aircraft’s network system. Airlines now give passengers the option to switch their mobile phones on and use it during ground operations. Most airlines still think that they would rather not have everyone on board in their immediate surroundings talking on mobile phones, therefore, they don’t approve voice calls but of course, many airlines now provide data services.

In 2007, Emirates became the first airline in the world to offer in-flight cell phone service on international flights. Passengers can use the AeroMobile service, which enables them to send and receive text messages and e-mails.

The Telecom Commission in India has lifted the ban on the use of cell phones and internet services at cruising altitudes. Globally, some 30 airlines offer Wi-Fi services to their passengers but had to switch the facility on approaching the Indian airspace. With such advancements, voice calls on aircraft will probably be the norm in the next 5-10 years!

About the author:
Captain Sameer Dogra is a commercial airline pilot from India with nearly 24 years of flying experience. His career in the aviation industry has seen him play various roles such as Check Pilot, Instructor, and Examiner. With his extensive knowledge and flying experience, he aims to provide relevant information and insightful tips to anyone aspiring to pursue a career as an airline pilot.