Air travel is something that is a dream for a lot of individuals out there. It may be due to the expensive tickets, visas and other verifications or some health-related problems for which air travel is prohibited.
The ones who travel might have experienced some complications at first which seem high but later, we get used to them.
Those complications include turning off electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. This might seem weird but it does not seem when you get to know the scientific reasons behind this:
#1. System Malfunction
Firstly, the reason for a call to turn off electronic devices is due to system malfunctions. System malfunction includes major compass failure while taking off. US Aviation Safety reporting system has shared over 50 cases summarizing how electronic devices contribute to airplane system failure.
Once there happened to be a compass failure while taking off, the first officer reported the failure and the security staff asked passengers to turn off smartphones and other electronic devices. As there were no electronic devices operating, the system got back to its normal state. The compass system started working and the flight was made.
The reason behind system malfunction is simple; the waves of radiation that these devices emit disturbs the digital connectivity (location-based) that the plane system requires to take off and land.
#2. Wireless Problems stay grounded
Take an example of devices with wireless connectivity features like WiFi. It can be a smartphone, tablet or laptop; these gadgets interfere with the airport’s grounded systems from where the entire communication takes place.
When I read a report by FCC (Federal Communications Commission), I came to know that the ban was lifted and passengers were allowed to use smartphones once. Later, as the commission researched and found how the interference is interfering and making it difficult for the crew to communicate. In 2007, FCC again put a ban on all of the devices with WiFi and other wireless features.
Surprisingly, the laws have gone more strict by now. Even the crew members are advised to turn off their smartphones.
#3. It’s Risky
Last but not least, it is risky.
We discussed the two definite reasons for a ban on smartphones but when there was no ban, the cases were rare and for years, no issues were reported.
We all know and have an idea of how expensive a plane is and air travel companies take care of almost everything to keep their aircraft at the safer side.
When a few cases were reported:
- Compass failure
- Communication failure
- Interference with ground networks
Electronic devices were being treated as risky equipment on the flight. No aircraft company can take risks about their flight’s schedules, and communications. Similarly, they don’t want to lose the location (compass) access at any cost. This creates a situation that they had to request their passengers to stop using electronic devices even if its several hours-long flights.
Another principle that can cause damage to the entire aircraft is the principle of resonance. This principle says that when two frequencies match, a collision happens. When every passenger is using electronic devices, with different wave frequencies, brighter chances are there that if it matches the combined frequency of the plane, the entire plane will collide.
Although this hasn’t happened yet, the principle of resonance has seen practical implementation on several occasions.
The Bottom Line
We talked about three reasons, system malfunction, wireless problems, and the principle of resonance that makes usage of electronic devices risky for aircraft.
If we go back a few years back, there was no ban at all. Passengers used to carry their smartphones, laptops and used them on the go. Later as seen in rare cases (we discussed one), risks were practically observed.
Several aviation authorities got together and researched well with scientists from different states, and in the end, there was a complete ‘ban’ on the electronic devices. All the reasons behind this ban are just because of scientific reasons. No off science reasons are there.
Some airlines addressed the concern as there’s no way to get entertained and placed built-in tablets on the back of each seat packed with movies and games to play. At the moment, most of the air companies have these systems installed so that passengers can get a bunch of entertainment with their electronic gadgets off.
This is what I have to say about why turning off electronic devices is necessary during takeoff and landing. If you’ve got suggestions or any other reasons behind this universal ‘ban’, do let me know in a reply.
Cheers! 🙂
Written By Boyan Minchev
References:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20130604-why-we-turn-devices-off-on-planes
https://www.livescience.com/5947-real-reason-cell-phone-banned-airlines.html