Flight Mode: Almost every time you hear an announcement during air travel, please put your mobile phone on airplane mode. Airlines around the world give these instructions before take-off and during the flight. To many passengers, this seems to be just a formal rule, but according to aviation experts, it is directly related to safety, clear communication and network control and not to the fear of the plane falling suddenly.
What does Airplane Mode actually do?
By turning on Airplane Mode, the mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals of the phone are turned off. After reaching altitude, the phone continuously tries to connect to the mobile towers located below. In this process, it may try to capture multiple towers simultaneously, causing unwanted signal interference.
Does this affect the aircraft’s systems?
Modern aircraft are technically quite safe and shielded, so one or two mobile phones do not pose a major threat to the navigation or control system. But pilots’ experiences show that when many passengers do not engage airplane mode, interference or noise may be heard in the sound coming through the headset in the cockpit.
Clear communication between the pilot and air traffic control is extremely important, especially during take-off and landing, so even small problems are taken seriously.
What is the impact on mobile network?
The effect of keeping airplane mode off is not limited to the plane only. A phone flying at high speed and altitude repeatedly tries to connect to different mobile towers, which can put additional pressure on the network on the ground below. The result is that the network quality of users on the ground may be affected.
What can happen if the rules are not followed?
Often cabin crew politely remind passengers to turn on airplane mode. But if someone repeatedly ignores the instructions, it can be considered a violation of flight safety rules. In such cases, a warning may be given and in very rare cases, legal action is also possible after landing.
What about flight Wi-Fi?
Nowadays many airlines provide Wi-Fi facility during flights, which works through satellite system. It is allowed to be used at cruising height. Passengers can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with airplane mode on, provided the mobile network is switched off.
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