Research: Mobile Phones Disrupt Aircraft

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."

Comments

Re:As an occasional airline passenger

[bhsurfer]

I think that it would be nice to see the makers of these ubiquitous and nearly free gadgets work together with the airlines as well... Frequently we hear how it's the airline's fault that these devices, many of which didn't even exist at the time the airline equiment was designed, are a-ok and that the responsibility for interference rests soley with the airline. I agree that the majority of it DOES rest with the airline, but can't these guys get together and figure out ways to play nicely?

Bah!

[TFloore]

That's what backup systems are for, right?

Besides, my idiotic chatting with friends is worth endagering the lives of 150 people around me, isn't it? I thought it was my responsibility as an American to be self-centered to a ridiculous degree...

Not that different from using cell phones while driving, just the cost of the accident (dollars and lives) increases.