Cellphones could disrupt airplane systems: study
A new study conducted by Carnegie
Mellon University says the use of cellphones on airplanes can "impact a plane's navigation or other systems."
This study wasn't conducted in a lab, but on actual flights across three airlines in the Northeast and found that
"several" cellphone calls are typically made on commercial flights during takeoff and approach (no surprise
there; that's when you get the best signal) -- the most critical stages where accidents occur. Seems that with
the assistance of the cellphone
hating FAA, researchers were able to stow a broadband antenna attached to a portable spectrum analyzer in a piece of
carry-on luggage. The FCC, remember, is conducting its own independent study of in-flight cellphone usage which should
wrap up by year-end. Whatever, let's be clear, we don't want to sit tethered to some blowhard detailing the advantages
of English style knitting over Continental, mkay? This isn't just an issue about safety.[Via The Wireless Report]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Iain @ Mar 1st 2006 9:16AM
Haven't we known this for years. Everytime you step on a plane you are told top switch your phone off. Why are they only doing a study now?
Stephen Williams @ Mar 1st 2006 9:39AM
There's been little or no proof that cell phones will actually cause problems, especially the modern low-power spread spectrum, not old 3watt analogs. Most of the restrictions are A) precautionary and B) related to practical cell system confusion that results from a 2D system trying to deal with a 3D point.
The reason that electronics are not allowed during the first and last 10 minutes is that if there were a bizarre interaction, you might not have time to catch it and resolve it. At other times, the pilots could tell everyone to turn everything off to debug a minor navigation or radio problem.
Most electronics and even cell phones don't put out enough power in frequencies that are going to cause any problems. There is even talk about putting cells on planes to allow cell calls, relayed via satellite. Google: "cell service on commercial airlines".
The only reasonably possible way to interfere would be to tune an aircraft band radio to the tower frequency and block communications, but is an indirect risk.
sdw
Nice try @ Mar 1st 2006 10:04AM
Part of the testing would require a Cell repeater installed into the airplane. This will cause your Cell phone to operate at the lowest RF power because it thinks your sitting on a tower (which you will be lol).
The repeater will downlink its signal on a different frequency, possibly the same system that Boeing uses for its High Speed internet using WiFi which is already being used every day by thousands of users (including myself, ANA airlines NYC to Japan direct)
Steve Mines @ Mar 1st 2006 10:27AM
Question: Don't plane fly thougt the towers every time they land and take off?
As well All plane now have cell based communications for passangers who pay! So I think it is a money grab for the airlines.
Erik @ Mar 1st 2006 11:03AM
I think the cell phones on airplanes issue has more to do with screwing up the cell networks than screwing up the airplane.
Diane F. @ Mar 1st 2006 12:02PM
I'm sorry, I don't get the connection between knitting blowhards and cell phone studies??
TI @ Mar 1st 2006 12:06PM
There is no interference from cell phones to the navigation equipment onboard. This is tested for by the FCC to give license to these phones.
Just another bunch of morons that have no clue about electromagnetics making judgements here. Just like loose canon politicians who try fog the real issues that have no clue to resolve.
BTW FAR 91 allows the operator to determine if the electronic device is detrimental to the safe operation of the flight!
Xultar @ Mar 1st 2006 12:23PM
If all it takes is a 'regular' cellphone call or any personal electronic device to bring down a plane then we shouldn't be flying.
I mean come on. It is a cell phone for GAWD sake. If they built planes in such a way as a laptop, cellphone, gameboy, iPod, iPaq, Palm, mp3 player, cd player can cause a plane to go haywire and fall out of the sky then the planes aren't safe.
IF they don't want you to bring them aboard because they are afraid of explosives fine...but security screening should take care of that.
I don't want to be irritated by people in close quarters on the phone either but it is silly that it could even be considered that a electronic devices can bring down a plane under normal usage.
Ron Mwangaguhunga @ Mar 1st 2006 12:55PM
How about -- if not bring down the plane -- disrupt the communications between the tower and the cockpit?
TI @ Mar 1st 2006 1:10PM
There is no interference from cell phones to the navigation equipment onboard. This is tested for by the FCC to give license to these phones.
Just another bunch of morons that have no clue about electromagnetics making judgements here. Just like loose canon politicians who try fog the real issues that have no clue to resolve.
BTW FAR 91 allows the operator to determine if the electronic device is detrimental to the safe operation of the flight!
Xultar @ Mar 1st 2006 1:41PM
Reply to #8...
That is what I'm saying...a cellphone shouldn't interfere enough for it to be a problem. It it is then we shouldn't be flying planes. It is beyond stoopid that anyone would build a comminications system for a plane that could be negatively impacted by a cellphone and vice versa.
Other than fist fights between seatmates I don't see any reason not to allow cell usage on planes.
Xultar @ Mar 1st 2006 1:45PM
Oh, and I forgot.
I have a SierraWireless 860 GPRS/EDGE/3G-HSDPA card in my laptop.
Man I could get tons of crap done if they allowed this. I'm a consultant and weekly flyer and this would make my lifetime!
David J. Spencer @ Mar 1st 2006 1:49PM
More fear mongoring from the FAA and their useful idiots in academia...
JFL @ Mar 1st 2006 2:11PM
What if everyone starts using their wireless device on a flight? Would'nt that have any effect on the navigation system or cockpit-tower communication at all?
BILL BRITT @ Mar 1st 2006 2:55PM
Navigation systems, cockpit-tower communications, testing-schmesting!
Bottom line:
If I have to endure someone blathering on their phone in the seat next to me DURING AN ENTIRE FLIGHT, I'll simply offer up my own choice comments to their conversation until they use text messaging or take it to the bathroom! It boggles my mind that someone can sit elbow-to-elbow next to a stranger, and carry on a phone conversation as if they're the only one there! It's the ultimate height of self-centered rudeness!
Stephen Hanselman @ Mar 1st 2006 5:03PM
Of course, this is why Lufthansa has wireless (802.11)service on it's long haul flights, so they can play russian roulette.
Modern receiver design precludes interference from low level sources, cell phones are not low level. Even though they only put out 300 mW, and possibly could overload a receiver front end, possible, but not very likely