You sit in your seat on the plane, you look at your phone and it automatically switches to the "airplane mode" function. Check out the science behind this phone feature and why it's important during the flight.
The "airplane mode" function is a necessary inconvenience during flight. Although we are sure that every moment is precious and nowadays it is quite difficult to imagine that we will be unreachable for several hours, there is no other way. So what exactly is airplane mode and why? aviation companies need?!
Airplane mode is a setting on your smartphone that temporarily disables the phone signal while other functions remain fully functional. When you switch to this feature, your phone stops receiving radio signals that allow you to send or receive text messages or calls, access web pages or online e-mail, and transfer data.
Why is airplane mode needed?
This mode is necessary to mitigate possible interference in sensitive aircraft systems - These are communication and navigation systems that use radio frequencies emitted by ground systems. Phones and tablets also use the radio frequency spectrum for communication, as do aircraft systems.
The problem occurs when there is crosstalk or interference from adjacent channels. On the plane, if an emergency landing is required or another emergency occurs, their lines of communication with ground control must be clear and wide open. Mobile phones, however, could threaten this with their signals.
If you forget to put your phone on airplane mode or deliberately try to break the rules, the chances of disaster are slim. Still, it's not worth the risk. If the passenger's 5G-enabled device is not in airplane mode, the plane may pick up a false signal. This could result in an incorrect indication of the aircraft's height above the runway. As you can imagine, this could have terrifying consequences.
