Washington: If you’ve traveled by air, you’re likely familiar with the announcement asking passengers to switch their mobile phones to airplane mode before takeoff and landing.
Airplane mode on a mobile phone disconnects your handset from the SIM signal while allowing its operating system to function normally.
There have been various explanations regarding why phones are required to be in airplane mode during specific times of air travel. However, a U.S. pilot has now provided a clear explanation.
Pilot Preach from the United States revealed that if mobile phones are not put in airplane mode during takeoff and landing, it becomes very difficult to communicate with the ground control room, and signals may not be received.
He clarified that airplane mode is not a conspiracy but a measure taken for passengers’ safety because maintaining contact with the control room is crucial during these phases of flight.
The pilot explained that the signals from mobile phones cause interference with the communication from the control room, creating a buzzing noise that makes it difficult for the captain to receive instructions. This is particularly problematic during both takeoff and landing when the control room is sending vital information.
He added that if a passenger is seated near the cockpit and their phone still has a signal, it increases the level of disruption.
