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September 5, 2007
Dear CNET members,
All right, folks, let see a show of hands--who would like to see cell phone use on airplanes? What, no one? Come on, I can't believe no one wants to see this happen. Wait, I see one hand raised by member donaldmichel. He says,"I have absolutely no problem with cell phones on airplanes, so long as they have to step outside to use them!" That's a good one, Don!
I can already see the disgust on your faces, as many of you would probably agree that we would be better off not allowing cell phone calls during flights. But on the other hand, there are few of us for it. This is one those heated debates that keeps on surfacing, and you know what, whether you like it or not, this may soon be a reality.
In the latest On Call column, editor Kent German informs us of some airline companies taking the plunge with some trial programs allowing text messaging from phones to determine if cell phones interfere with navigational and communications systems. If the trials are successful, they may just move on to allowing calls. Scary! To me, personally, even if it does pass, text messaging is fine, but I'm not a supporter of voice calls over flights.
So what do you think of all this? Are you a supporter of cell phone usage in planes? Why or why not? If the ban was lifted, what do you imagine would happen? More air rage and scuffles among passengers? Or maybe nothing--people will be respectful and everyone will be able to take advantage of this availability? What certain rules or regulations would you would like to see implemented before allowing it? Whatever side you are on, read the latest On Call column and all the comments made by your fellow members, and when you're ready, share with us your thoughts on this whole topic. We're all listening.
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This week's hot topic:
Cell phones on a plane
Cell phone usage on airplanes may be closer to reality than you think. In the latest On Call column, Kent German informs us how some airline companies are performing trials--starting with text messages, which eventually may led to allowing voice usage on planes. When we asked our members if they think cell phone use should be allowed during airplane flights, many came kicking and screaming to let us know what they thought.
"Cell phones on airplanes"
"As an airline pilot, I just want to say that as long as the technology can not interfere with any navigations equipment of the aircraft I would consider permitting text messaging. Verbal phone communication will create an unsafe environment through the huge..." (Read more)
"Cell phones IF, BIG IF"
"The only way I would stand voice-allowed cell phones is that the aircraft be equipped with a soundproof cell phone section, fully separated from passengers by walls. (Preferably in the luggage compartment or on the wing). Perhaps treat them like restaurants had..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member G Baker
"PLEASE FAA, NO!"
"How much worse can it get to fly? Airports are packed, the security lines are ever longer, passengers are continually bombarded with noise from the ever-present TVs blaring CNN, and the cacaphony following the announcement "Welcome to Atlanta; while we..."
(Read more)
"History of Wireless Phone Ban"
"Most nonpilots are unaware of the history behind the wireless phone ban. It arose after allegations by a few flight crews that they had experienced navigation anomalies during critical phases of flight, such as during approaches. The FAA did limited testing trying to..." (Read more)
Speak up!
What do you think about the idea of allowing cell phone usage on airplanes? Do you welcome this, or will it be another reason not to fly? Are there certain limitations that should be imposed if this were allowed? If so, what are they? Positive or negative, here's your chance to tell us.
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