All travelers know the drill once they sit in their seat - first fasten your seatbelt and then put smartphones on Airplane Mode. But they may not know the real reason for going off the grid is for a very simple reason.
A pilot, who goes by @perchpoint, revealed that smartphones interfere with their headsets when they aren't placed on Airplane Mode and can pose a distraction when they're trying to communicate with ground control.
In a video posted on TikTok, he explained that the Airplane Mode feature 'is not a conspiracy' and there is a good reason why you're asked to switch off before the plane takes off. He clarified that while it won't cause the plane to crash, it can create a buzzing disturbance in the pilot's communication systems, making it difficult to receive directions from air traffic control.
While some commenters questioned the severity of the issue, the pilot emphasized that interference can occur under specific circumstances, such as the phone provider, the plane's location, and the passenger's proximity to the cockpit. He also noted that the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration still prohibit cell phone use during flight.
Tamara Vallois, head of communications at Wizz Air, explained that even without cell tower connections, phones still emit electrical signals. Airplane Mode disables these signals, preventing interference with the aircraft's systems.
Concerns have increased with the rollout of 5G wireless networks, which operate on frequencies close to those used for aviation, potentially causing interference with navigation systems.
The pilot shared a personal experience of experiencing interference during a flight, highlighting the annoyance of the buzzing sound while receiving crucial directions. Dai Whittingham, chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee, explained that while the risk of interference is minimal, the recommendation to use Airplane Mode remains a precautionary measure.
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