In-flight calls still on hold

Although some airlines have introduced ‘mobile phone systems’ on a number of their aircraft, the use of mobile phones generally remains prohibited on the majority of aircraft.

Passengers who find themselves on board an aircraft modified to allow mobile phone use will be informed by the cabin crew and given instructions on how and where their phone can be used.

Any passenger who disobeys a cabin crew instruction to turn off a mobile phone is committing an offence, which could result in prosecution.

Research carried out by the CAA found that the use of mobile telephones can adversely affect navigation and communication functions, producing significant errors on instrument displays and background noise on pilot radios. The research endorses evidence from pilots, who have complained that interference from mobiles has caused:

· False notification of unsafe conditions, e.g. false baggage compartment smoke alarm warnings;
· Malfunction of aircraft systems;
· Interrupted communications due to noise in the flight crew headphones; and
· Distraction of crews from their normal duties due to increased work levels and the possibility of having to invoke emergency drills.

Bob Jones, Head of Flight Operations at the CAA, said: “The safety risks of using a mobile on board an aircraft are well-established. Yes, some airlines are currently testing various systems, but this does not weaken in any way the ban on phones being used on board the vast majority of UK aircraft.

“Unless specifically told otherwise, passengers must not text or phone while the cabin doors of an aircraft are closed. Safety is the number one concern of the aviation industry, therefore mobile phones will remain banned until the technology that allows their safe use is installed.”


(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 17-Jul-09