Just before a flight takes off, cabin crew and other announcements urge people to turn off their phones or put them in flight mode. Let's explore how and what Airplane Mode on smartphones works.
Why do smartphones have airplane mode?
As soon as the airplane arrives on the runway, an announcement is heard on almost every flight: "Please put your mobile phone on Airplane Mode." Many people do this without thinking, while others wonder why this is even necessary in this era of 5G and AI. Could the plane be at risk if someone doesn't do this? The answer to this question isn't as straightforward as it's often portrayed on social media.
What changes happen to the phone in airplane mode?
First, understand that airplane mode on your smartphone turns off your phone's cellular radio. This means the phone doesn't try to contact mobile towers.
However, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be turned back on later if needed. This is why in-flight Wi-Fi can still be used on many flights today even when airplane mode is on.
This cellular signal is the real reason. When an airplane is taking off or landing, it is closest to the ground. If a large number of phones are in normal mode, they constantly try to connect to nearby mobile towers.
Industry does not want to take risks
This can increase radio frequency noise. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand such signals, but the aviation industry is reluctant to take any risks with security.
Can a single phone cause a plane to crash? The answer is no. There's no evidence that just one passenger's phone can bring down a plane. Agencies like the FAA and EASA have also acknowledged that modern aircraft can handle most interference from electronic devices. This is the reason why today in many countries there is permission to use the phone with airplane mode throughout the journey.
So why is the rule still in place?
Because the mindset in aviation is always 'Better Safe Than Sorry.' No matter how much technology advances, no extra radio interference is acceptable during the most crucial phases of flight: takeoff and landing.
If hundreds of phones are simultaneously searching the network, a slight noise or "buzz" may occur in radio communications between pilots and air traffic control. This isn't considered dangerous, but no one wants such a problem during an important conversation.
Older aircraft may be affected
This debate has also been rife over 5G networks in recent years. In the US, the FAA briefly issued a warning that 5G C-Band signals could affect the radio altimeters of some older aircraft.
The radio altimeter is the system that tells aircraft their exact altitude above the ground, especially during landings in bad weather. Later, aircraft and telecommunications companies made several changes, but this incident demonstrated the importance of balancing radio frequencies and aviation.
Interestingly, several airlines in Europe are now using technology that provides mobile connectivity onboard. The airline first makes sure it doesn't impact the aircraft's systems. This means the technology exists, but the decision depends on safety audits by the airline and regulators.
There's another reason people often overlook. Takeoff and landing are considered critical phases of flight. If an emergency occurs during these times, passengers must listen to the crew's announcements and follow their instructions immediately. This is why airlines want passengers to focus on safety rather than their phones.
Tags:
gadget-tips
