Flight Crews Say Cell Phones Cause Interference

Bethany Whitfield

Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 12:25 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

A confidential International Air Transport Association (IATA) report documented 75 incidents between 2003 and 2009 where crew members suspected personal electronic devices caused electronic interference on flights, affecting systems like flight controls, navigation, and communications.
Cell phones were cited as the most common culprits by crew members, associated with issues such as autopilot disengagement and incorrect GPS readings.
While many in the aviation community consider the report's findings anecdotal, some industry experts and independent tests confirm that personal electronic devices, including cell phones and iPads, can emit signals exceeding limits deemed appropriate for aircraft, potentially causing real flight 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.