Can pilots use cell phones while flying?

A pilot may not use his or her phone for non-flight related tasks during takeoff, landing, or while flying under 10,000. Upon reaching cruising altitude the pilot is free to use their phone at their own discretion. This is, however, the FAA policy so for commercial pilots it may vary company to company.



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It's unrealistic to expect a crew to fly together for several days and never discuss anything except items related to flying the aircraft. In fact, experts have demonstrated that in order to be most effective, crews need to talk -- even if it is just merely get to know you sort of chat.

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Most airlines note that there is a chance that radio signals sent out from an electronic device could interfere with one or more of an aircraft's important systems, such as sensors that help the aircraft's instruments communicate with one another, navigation equipment, collision-avoidance equipment, and other forms of ...

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According to Travel and Leisure, there has never been a crash due to a phone not being in airplane mode. It's more of a courtesy to make sure that there isn't distracting interference. Even though the plane won't crash, it's important to switch your phone to airplane mode.

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Airplane mode prevents your phone from interfering with the plane's electronic communication devices and radio altimeters. The aircraft's communications and navigational systems utilize radio signals from the ground.

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Can I text on an airplane? Yes, but only using a Wi-Fi connection. The ban on using a cellular connection means passengers can't send SMS texts. Any communication has to be over Wi-Fi with a messaging app that provides similar functionality like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber.

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Many airlines provide crew rest areas on their aircraft, where pilots can sleep during long-haul flights. These areas are usually located in the tail, cargo area or above the cabin of the plane and are designed to be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Other crew members prefer to use business class seats to rest.

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Commonly known as the sterile cockpit rule, these regulations specifically prohibit crew member performance of non-essential duties or activities while the aircraft is involved in taxi, takeoff, landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet MSL, except cruise flight.

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Commonly known as the sterile cockpit rule, these regulations specifically prohibit crew member performance of non-essential duties or activities while the aircraft is involved in taxi, takeoff, landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet MSL, except cruise flight.

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In the airlines and in much of corporate aviation, the pilot rarely talks directly to the passengers during flight. In fact, there is a “sterile cockpit” rule that says that there shall be no communication with anyone other than the flight crew and ATC below 10,000 feet indicated altitude.

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If you are flying an aircraft for pleasure, it is certainly allowed to take photos. There is no rule against it. A good pilot does not allow anything to distract them when the right thing to be doing at a particular moment is aviating, navigating, or communicating.

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Pilots are able to hear conversations between other pilots and air traffic control (ATC) while they are in the cockpit. As a pilot, what is the angriest exchange you've heard between another pilot and Air Traffic Control (ATC)? Well, not angry, but embarrassing.

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In flight, this means the cell radio is using full-power to attempt the connection… therefore draining precious battery power. So, the next time you're in the air, save yourself some headaches…and battery power. Just switch your device to airplane mode and then turn it off for takeoff and landing.

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If the airplane's interior is dark while its exterior is bright and sunny, passengers may struggle to quickly exit the airplane during an emergency. Therefore, airlines require passengers to open their window shades during takeoffs and landings to allow for eyesight adjustment.

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