Rent an iPad For Inflight Entertainment

OzPeter writes "Jetstar will start renting out of pre-loaded iPads as a form of inflight entertainment instead of the more typical seat back video system. No word in the article on how or if they will handle Wi-Fi connections, but interestingly it does mention that they will be usable during takeoff and landings — something that will be sure to spark lots of discussion regarding planes and modern electronics."

Comments

Aircraft electronics

[Joce640k]

Aircraft electrics have been WiFi/phone safe for decades, if they weren't then every lightning bolt with 100 miles would be a threat.

The reasons for not allowing those things aren't to do with safety.

Re:Aircraft electronics

[RedLeg]

The reasons for not allowing those things aren't to do with safety.

The reasons have EVERYTHING to do with safety, just not the way most people think.

The airlines and the FAA don't want passengers to be distracted or rows and aisles to be encumbered. Passengers need to be alert enough take direction from the aircrew (pilots + flight attendants) and free to maneuver in times of emergency. The most likely times for emergencies are during takeoffs and landings, hence the ban.

It has nothing to with harmful interference with avionics, but with interrupting communications and encumbering maneuvering.

Consider trying to get up and use the head from a window seat when the passengers in the row ahead have their seats reclined, and those on your row have tables down and laptops out. Add earphones in ears impeding hearing, and you get a mess in an emergency.

Red

Re:Aircraft electronics

[IndustrialComplex]

Humorously, no. You inspect HV power lines with a Cessna or a helicopter, not a fully loaded 747.

You also are doing the inspection on VFR days, so if VOR gets screwed up it's not that big of a deal.