A new study from Carnegie Mellon University indicates
that airline passengers who talk on their cellphones or use their laptops while in flight are more than likely to
disrupt cockpit operations. According to the researchers, most cellphone calls are made while on
takeoff or during final approach, which makes sense since people are for the most part informing others where they
are.
As a result, the study concludes that the use of electronic devices should be restricted on airplanes, which the Federal Aviation Administration endorses fully. Of course, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating the possibility of relaxing restrictions so that passengers can use their devices while in flight, and airlines are chomping at the bit to offer cellular and WiFi services so they can charge access fees.
In other words, this could boil down to a battle between science and economics. It's anyone's guess as to who will win out.
1. It's a timely reminding for those passengers who'd like to hang on the cellphone when taking the flight!
Posted at 11:04AM on Mar 1st 2006 by fisherwy