The use of cell phones on aircraft has constantly been controversial, since the inception of this
rule by Federal Communication Commission (FCC). However, with the new
technology in the aviation industry,
this concept has been highly questioned and examined and a proposal by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has been raised that allows the use of cell
phones in the airplanes. This subject is based on several different aspects. In
the beginning it would highlight why the cell phones were banned in aircraft
for so long by the FCC and what has changed in the coming years that has caused
the FAA to reduce the prohibition on use of cell phones in airplanes.
In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned
passengers from using their cell phones while on board an airplane that is in
flight. The ban was instituted because the FCC suspected that the radio
frequency produced by cell phones could malfunction an airplane's equipment
systems. Different airlines have instituted different policies about when
phones can be turned on and off. In 2005, the FCC announced that it might
consider lifting the ban on the use of cell phones on airplanes, with certain
restrictions.
The FCC regulates the use of all electronic devices, including cell
phones, on airplanes under the assumption that they may affect the
communication systems on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
agrees with the FCC that cell phones may cause interference with aircraft
systems and supports the ban for all commercially operated airplanes. The use
of cell phones on private or charter planes is not regulated, however, and many
private flights permit passengers to use cell phones while in flight.
Lots of argument has surrounded the use of cell phones on
airplanes. The main concern is that cell phones may interfere with the
navigation and communication systems of the plane and result in devastating failure.
Airlines have reported disruptions in cabin pressure, compass function, and
wireless navigation systems associated with the use of cell phones on board.
The FCC, it seems, made a mistake on the side of caution when it forced an
outright ban on the use of radio frequency emitting devices which could
potentially cause an aircraft to crash.
There have also been some reports that the use of cell phones on
planes may cause disruptions in ground communications because of interference.
Others claim that the airlines and the FCC would simply prefer that consumers
use the telecommunications systems mounted on most seat backs in commercial
airplanes, because these phones are said to be highly profitable. Newer cell
phones are capable of operating on very low power settings, which may not
interfere with the aircraft as much. The FCC is attempting to establish an
acceptable of radio frequency waves, so that cell phones could be used on
airplanes without any fear of the navigation system failing or service on the
ground being disrupted.
The controversy is still there, if they can or cannot use their
cell phones on airplanes after the proposal by the FCC. But in my view, safety
is always better than cure. When we know that there is even 1% probability of
risk due to use of cell phones on board, we must prohibit their use. After all
nothing is more important than one’s own life.
