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We are all familiar with the drill: “Kindly make sure your seats are in the upright position, tray tables stowed, window shades drawn up, laptops placed in the overhead compartments and electronic devices switched to flight mode.”
The first four requirements seem quite logical, don’t they? Window shades must be up so we can assess any emergencies, like a fire. Tray tables should be folded away and seats returned to an upright position for a swift exit from the row. Laptops might turn into dangerous objects in an emergency, as seat back pockets are insufficient to hold them securely.
And mobile devices must be switched to flight mode so they don’t pose a risk to the airplane, right? Well, that depends on whom you consult.
Technological advancements have made significant strides
Aviation navigation and communication operate on radio services, which have been coordinated to reduce interference since the 1920s.
Modern digital technology surpasses many of the older analog systems we relied on even six decades prior. Studies have indicated that personal electronic devices can emit signals on the same frequency as the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems, resulting in what’s termed electromagnetic interference.
However, in 1992, the US Federal Aviation Authority and Boeing conducted an independent investigation into the potential interference caused by electronic devices on aircraft and found no complications with computers or other personal electronics during non-critical flight phases. (Takeoffs and landings are viewed as critical phases.)
The US Federal Communications Commission also began reserving frequency bands for various uses – including mobile phones and aircraft navigation and communications – to prevent interference. Similar strategies and policies have been adopted by governments globally to avoid aviation interference issues. In the EU, the use of electronic devices has been permitted since 2014.
2.2 billion passengers
So, with these global regulations established, why does the aviation sector persist in prohibiting mobile phone usage? One of the dilemmas stems from something you might not anticipate – ground interference.
Wireless networks rely on a series of towers; the networks could face congestion if passengers above these ground networks are all active on their phones. The total number of passengers traveling in 2021 exceeded 2.2 billion, and that figure is half of what was recorded in 2019. The wireless companies could have a valid argument here.
Naturally, when discussing mobile networks, the most significant change in recent years is the transition to a new standard. The current 5G wireless networks – sought after for their faster data transmission – have generated anxiety among many in the aviation sector.
Radio frequency bandwidth is finite, yet we are still aiming to introduce more new devices to it. The aviation sector highlights that the 5G wireless network frequency is alarmingly close to the reserved aviation frequency bands, which might lead to interference with the navigation systems close to airports that are pivotal during aircraft landings.
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Airport authorities in Australia and the United States have raised aviation safety issues related to 5G deployment, but it seems to have been implemented without any noted concerns in the European Union. Nonetheless, it is wise to restrict mobile phone usage on flights until the uncertainties surrounding 5G are clarified.
Ultimately, we cannot ignore air rage
Most airlines now offer customers Wi-Fi services that are either chargeable or complimentary. With advancements in Wi-Fi technology, it’s theoretically feasible for passengers to utilize their mobile phones for video calls to friends or clients while airborne.
During a recent flight, I conversed with a flight attendant and inquired her views on mobile phone usage during flights. She mentioned it would be a hassle for cabin crew to wait for passengers to finish their calls before asking if they would like drinks or snacks. On an aircraft with over 200 passengers, providing in-flight service would take longer if everyone was making calls.
For me, the concern regarding in-flight mobile use primarily relates to the social dynamics of having over 200 individuals on a flight, with all potentially engaged in conversations simultaneously. In an era when disruptive passenger behavior is on the rise, including “air rage,” mobile phone use during flights could become an additional factor affecting the overall flight experience.
Disruptive behaviors manifest in various forms, ranging from noncompliance with safety protocols like wearing seatbelts, heated exchanges with fellow passengers and crew members, to physical confrontations with other passengers and crew – broadly recognized as air rage.
To conclude – permitting mobile phone usage during flights does not currently impede the aircraft’s operational capabilities. However, cabin crews may prefer to avoid delays in serving in-flight refreshments to the numerous passengers on board – it’s a considerable number to attend to.
Nevertheless, 5G technology is encroaching upon the radio frequency bandwidth used by aviation navigation systems; further studies will be necessary to address the 5G issue relating to interference with aircraft navigation during landing. Keep in mind that in the context of flight, the two most crucial phases are takeoffs – which are optional – and landings – which are imperative.
Doug Drury is a Professor and Head of Aviation at Central Queensland University.
