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boxcorner · 12-15-2010, 03:28 PM

I don't know whether this has been mentioned already; this thread is so long that I may have missed it.

Aircraft use communications and navigation equipment, that make use of different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (eg radio and radar).

As I understand it, the rationale for requiring passengers to turn off electronic equipment during take off and landing is based on a concern that noise from electronic gadgets could interfere with aircraft equipment.

Many electronic gadgets, such as e-readers, contain one or more microprocessors. Electronic components such as microprocessors and associated circuitry can generate noise in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The problem with electromagnetic noise is that it extends over a wide range of frequencies, so it is difficult to predict what effect it might have on communications equipment. Different devices produce differing kinds and strengths of electromagnetic noise. Sparks and lightning similarly produce electromagnetic noise. Mobile phones, like other communications equipment, utilise specific radio frequencies, so it is easier to predict what effect they might have.

Whilst, the strength of any electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices decreases as the square of the distance between the two objects (ie between the electronic device that is generating the noise and the equipment), we shouldn't assume that all equipment that might be affected is located in the cockpit.

If the authorities who are responsible for controlling aviation safety believe that it is necessary for passengers in the cabin to turn off electronic devices, to reduce the risk of interference with aircraft equipment, then I would happily comply with whatever regulations are necessary, in order to ensure my safe arrival at the destination. I assume that my fellow passengers would want the same for themselves. Air travel is fraught with enough problems as it is, without unnecessarily increasing the risk of any accident. One accident would be one too many.

So I would be quite happy to turn off my e-reader, if required to do so, during take off and landing. I think it would be an insignificant inconvenience.

12-15-2010, 03:28 PM	#357
boxcorner »(°±°)« Posts: 826 Karma: 775629 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: divisive reader	Insignificant inconvenience I don't know whether this has been mentioned already; this thread is so long that I may have missed it. Aircraft use communications and navigation equipment, that make use of different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (eg radio and radar). As I understand it, the rationale for requiring passengers to turn off electronic equipment during take off and landing is based on a concern that noise from electronic gadgets could interfere with aircraft equipment. Many electronic gadgets, such as e-readers, contain one or more microprocessors. Electronic components such as microprocessors and associated circuitry can generate noise in the electromagnetic spectrum. The problem with electromagnetic noise is that it extends over a wide range of frequencies, so it is difficult to predict what effect it might have on communications equipment. Different devices produce differing kinds and strengths of electromagnetic noise. Sparks and lightning similarly produce electromagnetic noise. Mobile phones, like other communications equipment, utilise specific radio frequencies, so it is easier to predict what effect they might have. Whilst, the strength of any electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices decreases as the square of the distance between the two objects (ie between the electronic device that is generating the noise and the equipment), we shouldn't assume that all equipment that might be affected is located in the cockpit. If the authorities who are responsible for controlling aviation safety believe that it is necessary for passengers in the cabin to turn off electronic devices, to reduce the risk of interference with aircraft equipment, then I would happily comply with whatever regulations are necessary, in order to ensure my safe arrival at the destination. I assume that my fellow passengers would want the same for themselves. Air travel is fraught with enough problems as it is, without unnecessarily increasing the risk of any accident. One accident would be one too many. So I would be quite happy to turn off my e-reader, if required to do so, during take off and landing. I think it would be an insignificant inconvenience.