Mobile phones and flying don't mix
Research confirms mobile phones are still a threat
to aircraft
10 June 2003
Continuing research by the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) has proved that mobile telephone transmissions made by airline
passengers can interfere with aircraft equipment.
The tests support the existing CAA ban on the use
of mobile telephones on board aircraft when the engines have started.
This has been in effect since the widespread introduction of mobile
telephones and was supported by initial research performed in
February 2000.
The latest study found that the use of mobile telephones
can adversely affect navigation and communication functions, producing
significant errors on instrument displays and background noise
on audio outputs.
The research backs up reports from pilots, who have
stated that interference from mobiles has caused:
- False notification of unsafe conditions, e.g. incorrect baggage compartment smoke alarm warnings
- Malfunction of aircraft systems
- Interrupted communications due to noise in the flight crew headphones
- Distraction of crews from their normal duties due to increased work levels and the possibility of having to invoke emergency drills
Dan Hawkes, the avionics specialist at the CAA who supervised
the research, explained: “The tests demonstrate that mobile
telephone use near an aircraft’s flight deck or avionics
equipment bay can adversely affect systems that are essential
for safe flight.
“For safety reasons the current policy of prohibiting the
use of mobile telephones by passengers while the aircraft’s
doors are closed for flight must continue.”
Source: Civil Aviation Authority | 
