subject: Why Do I Need To Turn Off Electronic Devices? [print this page] When planes are taking off and making their ascent up to the right altitude, they ask all electronic devices be switched off until thte pilot says so. Why it this, and what things can you while taking off?
Electronic devises have to be turned as a precaution against system malfunction on the plane. An electronic device could prevent systems with the cockpit from currently functioning, or interfere with their signal quality. On a aeroplane during takeoff, the pilots rely on radar, radio with ground control and various other electronic metric systems. When these do not work it can be a huge problem, so as a precaution airlines ask their pilot to instruct customers to turn off their electronic devices.
The same is true when planes begin their descent. This again is a fairly tricky part of the flight, and you don't want flights from Denver to San Juaninterfering of coming anywhere close to flights from Richmond to San Juan. By restricting the use of electronic equipment, pilots and airline make an effort to ensure that no problems can arise. And especially big problem comes from electronic devises such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and various new e-readers, each of which emit singlas on the radio spectrum. These devises in particular can cause problems during takeoff and landing.
So what can you do while taking off if you're unable to use your electronic devises? Well since your travel table need to be put in the upright position, and since the inflight entertainment options are switched off, you don't have many choices. I like to look out the window, and watch the land below get smaller, then I read, usually until well into flights from New York to Norfolk which are sufficiently long that you need to keep yourself amused.
