Airline passengers can be a feisty lot, but they would be wise to heed the advice of flight attendants to switch off their cellphones and laptop computers on takeoff and landing.
A study by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University found that electronic gadgets may cause more interference to aircraft navigation systems than previously thought.
The study also found that many passengers ignore the advice. Researchers put radio frequency measuring devices on 37 commercial flights, which showed when people were talking on their cellphones on takeoffs and landings.
The devices can disrupt key cockpit instruments, especially Global Positioning receivers that are increasingly vital for safe landings, experts concluded.
The study, done with the backing of the Federal Aviation Administration, prompted cynics to say that the airline industry is just trying to force passengers to use costly airplane satellite phones. The findings come as the Federal Communications Commission is considering lifting the ban on the use of cellphones during flights.
Researchers noted that there is no definitive instance of an electronic device used by a passenger causing an accident.
Still, Dr. Granger Morgan of Carnegie Mellon says the experts found several examples of significant interference. “I think it’s just a matter of time before we start having serious problems,” he said.
Airlines allow passengers to use most devices above 10,000 feet, but on takeoff and final approach, passengers will want to pay attention when the attendant says to hit the off button.
