Is it dangerous to use cell phones on airplane?

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.