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Research: Mobile Phones Disrupt Aircraft

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the and-the-cycle-continues dept.

threeturn writes "Another contribution to the ever-popular "mobiles on planes" topic. Every time this is discussed on /. lots of people say "there is no danger - its just the airlines trying to make a buck on their skyphones". Well, now the UK Civil Aviation Authority has done some research which shows mobiles on planes do disrupt safety systems and interfere with compass readings and other navigation equipment. Also reported by the BBC. So do us all a favour and switch your mobiles off next time you fly."

12 of 669 comments (clear)

  1. Even worse... by Mostly+Monkey · · Score: 5, Funny

    Better not play a flight sim on a 802.11 equipped laptop or the plane will REALLY be in trouble.

    --
    Chika Chik-ah... do-e ow ow.
  2. Damn! It doesn't say 'Ashcroft' by Surak · · Score: 4, Funny

    For a second there, I thought it said "Mobile Phones Disrupt Ashcroft." And I was ALL SET take my cell phone down to the White House! :-P

    --
    My journal has hot /. gossip.
  3. Foil Hat by dfn5 · · Score: 5, Funny
    We could build a really big aluminum foil hat to put on the cabin and block those signals.

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    -- Thou hast strayed far from the path of the Avatar.
  4. Re:I think this is good by VCAGuy · · Score: 4, Funny
    "better safe than sorry"

    Yes, it's generally not an indicator of common sense to compromise the very safety systems that are keeping you alive whilst you are being propelled at mach ~0.78 at 30,000' MSL...but, that's why common sense isn't all that common!

    --
    Q: "Why do sound techs say 'check 1, 2'?"
    A: "Cause if they could count any higher they'd be lighting techs."
  5. Re:why? by feepcreature · · Score: 5, Funny
    And for those of you who need to play nibbles or whatever... you need to unplug and get more fresh air or something.
    On a plane????

    Have you ever tried winding down the windows?

    --
    Paul "Say no to feeping creaturism"
  6. Re:No, just like always by halftrack · · Score: 4, Funny

    as we all know, Linux developers are all high flyers in the world of business and are always on the move, meeting new people.

    That's if they can decide how to put the plane together.

    --
    Look a monkey!
  7. Bah! by Greyfox · · Score: 4, Funny
    They're probably just saying that to give the air marshalls an excuse to rough up those self-important assholes who can't shut the fuck up for four goddamn hours. Face it, if you're riding in someone else's plane, your life just isn't important enough to warrant you jabbering on a cellphone to anyone, anyway.

    Talking on a cellphone while any vehicle is moving should be a crime punishable by a severe power stapling. Or caning, as they do in Singapore. Yeah... I've had 3 suvtards in the last month nearly take me out while driving their Maibatsu Mostrosities with cellphones glued to their ears. You may as well just down a fifth of Jack Daniels before getting behind the wheel of that thing. Shut up and drive!

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  8. Re:DILDOS: "portable electronic devices" ??? by Havokmon · · Score: 5, Funny
    My electric razor causes enough interference to screw up the television set, so dildos could theoretically do the same.

    You idiot, the tv doesn't get screwed up, that's the razor making your face vibrate.

    --
    "I can't give you a brain, so I'll give you a diploma" - The Great Oz (blatently stolen sig)
  9. Re:I think this is good by Drakonian · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, now you have a secret weapon when the terrorists have hijacked the plane. Just whip out your cell phone.

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    Random is the New Order.
  10. Re:Opting out by squiggleslash · · Score: 5, Funny

    You're required to continue your conversation outside...

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    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  11. Re:I think this is good by spakka · · Score: 4, Funny

    "yeah, we just landed... I think I'll grab a burger and be there in an hour... yada yada yada..."

    They make calls about free NY Times registration?
  12. Re:I think this is good by h4x0r-3l337 · · Score: 5, Funny
    If I am stuck next to random stranger X, then certain courtesy guidelines come into place. Among them are not picking my nose and eating it, screaming profanities, masturbating, and talking on a cell phone, listed in my own order of rudeness rating.

    So next time the guy next to you makes a phonecall, show him you can do better and start masturbating. If he counters by screaming profanities at you, pick your nose.