Since 1991, the use of cell phones has been banned during flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have regulations in place that support keeping cell phones from being used during flights.
As the regulations stand now, these agencies are treating cell phones—any cell phones, including the newest models and used cell phones—as they treat any other piece of equipment that may be used on-board airplanes. So, if the FCC were to choose to rescind its ban against cell phones being used to make in-flight calls, the FAA would need to certify that each model of phone would not interfere with the systems of each particular aircraft on which it might be used.
Let’s break that down into simpler terms. Many consumers these days own used cell phones—such as used AT&T cell phones, used Verizon cell phones, used Blackberry cell phones, and used Sprint cell phones. There are also quite a lot of customers who buy inexpensive cell phones, such as TracFones or cheap Verizon cell phones. More well-heeled shoppers purchase the newest models, including iPhones, Palm Pres, Androids, and other Smartphones.
Now, considering the above statements, think about just how many models of cellular phones that would need to be tested by the FAA before the ban on in-flight calls could be lifted. There are well over a dozen present and past models currently in use of used AT&T cell phones, used Sprint cell phones, used Blackberry cell phones, and used Verizon cell phones—and this is a conservative estimate. And, of course, the FAA would have dozens more models of new cell phones to test as well.
Some aviation experts have stated that the safety worries of the FAA and the FCC may be unfounded. Nonetheless, these agencies are in control of the ban and have cited the following reasons for their concerns about in-flight cell phone usage:
- Cell phone usage could cause disruption to the cell systems’ towers.
- Multiple cell phone towers could ‘hear’ the same cell call; this could cause interference with existing calls, which could make the tower software crash.
- Because cell towers are many miles below the aircraft, cell phones may need to transmit at maximum power; this could increase the risk of interference with aircraft equipment.
But, some airlines in other countries have already begun to allow cell phone usage during flights—and more have announced plans to do so. There are even United States airlines which have stated their plans to allow cell phone use on their aircraft (pending FCC and FAA approval). This suggests that the above-mentioned concerns have solutions which can be implemented to allow safe in-flight calls.
Many people probably remember the ‘Smoking’ and ‘No Smoking’ flights of yesteryear; well, within a few years, we may end up seeing ‘Quiet’ and ‘Cell Zone’ flights. Until then, however, it is best to refrain from making any calls during flight—the consequences may be dire. Depending upon the airline and the situation, a person may receive a ticket for anywhere from several hundreds of dollars…on up to several thousands of dollars—or more. Is any phone call worth receiving a ticket like that?
