Data networks while flying

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freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#221324 3-Jun-2009 14:52

In any case I think there should be a single reason to not allowing mobile phone use on planes... Can you imagine twelve hours in a long flying tube with tens of people talking while you are trying to sleep?

"Can you hear me now?"
"O'RLY? Did he ask you to do 'that'?"
"Oh, just calling to say I love you hunny. Have a good sleep. No you hang up first. No you do it. I wait. No you do it..."
"I really think we should go for the balls. Make him sign the contract, and margins should be higher! I am a super achiever!"

And so on...

Arghhhhhhhhh.

Back on topic.

NealR

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#221332 3-Jun-2009 15:26

@freitasm I completely agree people should not be allowed to talk on their phones until the exit the aircraft. Data applications on the other hand I have no problems with. Texting for me is fine as long as the phone is on mute.

The comments I write on this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer and as such cannot be taken as official statements of my employer.

ipearx

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#221355 3-Jun-2009 16:25

Here's some info about what electronics are allowed on flights in this 1995 newsletter. Note it's only IFR (instrument flight rules) this applies to:
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Publications/CAA_News/CAA_News_2005_Issue-6_Nov-Dec.pdf

As far as I'm aware gliders, and I assume all VFR (visual flight rules) aircraft, have no rules against using cell phones in flight. Most competition glider pilots tend load up with all kinds of gear, primarily GPS's, loggers, and PDAs with moving maps on them.

The main limits for gear in a glider is battery life, physical size and screen readability in shade and sun. Unfortunately because gliding is such a minority sport there are very few things designed specifically for us. The iphone screen is actually pretty good in the cockpit.

It will be interesting to see if the XT network has better long range coverage in the air.

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