New Delhi: Whenever we board a plane, the attendants ask us to turn off our mobile phones or switch them to flight mode before the takeoff. While many people follow these instruction, there are some who think that switching the phone to flight mode is not important. Also, not everybody knows the reason behind this instruction. In this article, we will take a look at why it is essential to turn the phone to flight mode before takeoff.
What is the flight mode in phone and what does it do?
When your phone is switched to flight mode, it disconnects from all networks like cell towers and satellites. You cannot receive calls or messages when your phone is in flight mode (Airplane Mode), and your phone is simply not connected to any network.
Why is it important to put the phone on flight mode?
When we don’t put the phone on flight mode during the plane’s takeoff, it continues to search for a network and emit electromagnetic signals. It has the potential to interfere with the communication and navigation systems of the aircraft. If several phones inside the flight is kept on, then their search for network can interfere with the radio communications of the pilots with the air traffic control. The radio waves can create interference which makes it difficult for pilots to clearly hear instructions from the air traffic control.
While it is a not a catastrophic problem in today’s age of advanced technologies where modern aircrafts are designed to minimise such risk, multiple devices constantly seeking signal can create cumulative electromagnetic interference. According to a CNN report, the 5G wireless network bandwidth spectrum is remarkably close to the reserved aviation bandwidth spectrum. It can interfere with navigation systems near airports that assist with landing the aircraft. It may seem like a minimal issue, but it is crucial for the pilots to hear the instructions clearly. Hence, it is better to switch off your phone or put it in flight mode so that everybody onboard the flight is safe and sound.
What is the rule in India?
In the United States, every passengers must switch off their phones once the plane leaves the ground. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that all phones must be switched to flight mode while the plane is in air. As per the DGCA regulations, all portable electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops must be used in airplane mode. Some airlines may provide Wi-Fi depending on the approval of DGCA and the capability of the aircraft.
Turning your phone to airplane mode before takeoff is crucial for aviation safety. While modern aircraft are designed to minimize interference, multiple devices searching for networks can cumulatively disrupt radio communication between pilots and air traffic control. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
