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Flight Crews Say Cell Phones Cause Interference

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A confidential IATA report detailed 75 incidents between 2003-2009 where crew members attributed electronic interference, mainly from cell phones, to affecting flight controls, navigation, and communication systems.
  • Reported issues included autopilot disengagement, incorrect GPS information, and faulty altitude readings, with cell phones blamed for 40% of the incidents.
  • Despite skepticism regarding the report's anecdotal nature, some aviation experts and studies confirm that personal electronic devices can emit signals exceeding appropriate limits for aircraft, potentially causing disruption.
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Cell phones and other mobile devices really do cause a certain amount of electronic interference during flight, some crew members contend in a confidential industry report conducted by the International Air Transport Association and obtained by ABC News.** **

The report details 75 incidences of electronic interference during passenger and cargo airline flights between 2003 and 2009 that have been attributed to personal electronic devices by crew members on board. Of the 75 separate events, 26 affected flight controls, 17 affected navigation systems and 15 affected communications systems.

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