Why is it said to put the smartphone on Airplane Mode during takeoff? Know the true science

Why airplane mode is necessary during flight takeoff landing: Loudspeaker announcements from cabin crew often ask passengers to switch off their mobile phones or put them on ‘Airplane Mode’ before the flight takes off. Why is this flight mode so essential in smartphones even in this modern age of 5G and AI and how does it work? Let’s know in detail.

What does turning on Airplane Mode change the phone?

When you turn on Airplane Mode on a smartphone, it turns off your phone’s cellular radio network. This means that your phone does not try to connect to nearby mobile towers or find a signal.

However, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be turned back on later as needed. This is the reason why many international and domestic airlines today offer the facility to use in-flight Wi-Fi even when Airplane Mode is turned on.

Can a plane crash with one phone on?

The answer is no. There is no evidence that just one or two passengers leaving their phones in normal mode can cause a plane crash. Global aviation agencies such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA also believe that modern aircraft are capable of withstanding most radio interference from electronic devices.

Then why the rule?

• The nuances of finding a network tower: An aircraft is closest to the ground when it is taking off or landing. If the phones of hundreds of passengers on the plane are in normal mode, they simultaneously emit high-power signals to connect to different towers on the ground.

• Pilot and ATC Communication: Radio frequency noise increases when a hundred or two hundred phones simultaneously search for a signal. This can cause a ‘buzz’ sound or disturbance in the headset communication between the pilot and Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aviation industry does not want to take any risks in terms of safety (‘Better Safe Than Sorry’).

Concerns for 5G networks and older planes

For some time now, there has been a discussion regarding the 5G network in the aviation sector as well. It was also warned in America that 5G C-Band signal can affect the ‘Radio Altimeter’ of some old planes.

A radio altimeter is a system that shows the exact height of a plane above the ground during bad weather or fog. Telecom and aircraft companies later solved this by changing it, but the incident shows how important the balance between the radio frequency and the plane’s system is.

Maintaining focus in an emergency

Takeoff and landing are considered to be the critical phase of flight. If a crisis or emergency arises during this time, it is imperative that the passengers focus on the safety instructions of the crew members rather than on the phone. This is also why airlines want passengers not to use phones during take-off.