Page 6 - AAA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2013 Online Magazine

THE AERIAL VIEW

eDItOr’s NOte CreDIts

The recent announcement from the Federal Aviation Authority that it is relaxing EDITOR
rules restricting the use of portable electronic devices in flight might seem like a JEREMY TORR
bolted door in a post horse-exit scenario. It certainly does to me. jeremy.torr@gbp.com.sg
Executive Publisher & CEO
Vittorio Rossi Prudente
As a regular passenger in Asia, it is the norm to see at least some passengers vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg
whipping out phones, tablets, notebooks and the like immediately after takeoff and
just prior to landing. The most common scenario is, I suspect, the “Just about to COO & Marketing Director, Asia
Siva Sachi
land – see you in 15mins” text message sent by arriving travellers. And so far, siva.sachi@gbp.com.sg
despite this observational evidence, I haven’t been involved in a crash. Admittedly, Art Director
the FAA relaxation is only well after takeoff and some time (10,000ft) before Arthur Chan
landing, but the committee that recommended relaxing the ban on digital devices arthur.chan@gbp.com.sg
reported that most aircraft now flying were impervious to phone jamming during Web Director
cruise flight. Elmer Valencia
elmer.valencia@gbp.com.sg
I have some observations here. First, a highly experienced Search & Rescue pilot Circulation Manager
Khairul Naem
I spoke to said he often uses his phone to talk to other rescue services during a khairul.naem@gbp.com.sg
search, with no adverse effects whatsoever – and he is often flying in very tricky ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
conditions, on instruments. Second, a mobile phone sends out a really weak Europe, Middle East, South Africa &
signal when being used – but a relatively strong signal when just switched on and South America
“handshaking” the nearest mobile phone cell. Lastly, a historical observation. At Contact: Vittorio Rossi Prudente
Tel: +39 049 723 548
Fax: +39 049 856 0792
the site of Thai Airways Flight 261 that crashed in December 1998, lots of loose Mob: +39 335 611 9295
mobile phones were found scattered about. And just before the crash, the pilot had Email: vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg
advised passengers of a diversion to another airport - possibly prompting a flurry ASEAN, People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong
of calls and messages telling waiting friends that they were at the wrong place. & Australasia
Contact: Siva Sachi
Tel: +603 778 12903/2909 Fax: +603 778 12915
So, is the problem not one of using mobile devices, but rather the state in which Mob: +601 2905 6825
they are used? If iPods, phones, notebooks and game consoles or similar are all Email: siva.sachi@gbp.com.sg
trying to establish a call or radio link at the same time, the total output radio power South Asia – India, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Nepal
could be theoretically be enough to upset aircraft guidance and control systems. Contact: Vinod Ghansela
Would it then be more sensible to simply allow passengers to leave their devices MOD: +91 9810806939
on all the time (I would bet that a significant proportion forget to switch off anyhow) Email: vinod.ghansela@gbp.com.sg
and simply jam any active transmissions in the initial ascent and descent phases, USA & Canada
Contact: Josh Mayer
to avoid call-establishment surges? Military installations impose this regularly at Tel : +1 972 816-6745 Fax : +1 972 767 4442
sensitive or restricted sites, so maybe it might work on aircraft. If cabin staff have Email : jm@mayeradvertising.com
to advise passengers to maybe have the phone on now, maybe off now, or at least Switzerland
soon anyway – please, passengers will simply become confused. Contact: Robert Rottmeier
Tel : +41 216 174 412 Fax : +41 216 170 921
Mob : +41 792 104 466
Far better to instruct all devices off (as it was) or all on, but use a technical solution Email : robertrottmeier@bluewin.ch
to damp the surges. Israel
Contact: Tamir Eshel
Tel : + 972 544 508 028 / +972 989 117 92
Fax : +972 989 199 65
Email : eshel_tamir@yahoo.com

JEREMY TORR
Editor Global Business Press Pte. Ltd.
ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS
Level 34, Centennial Tower,
3 Temasek Avenue, Singapore 039190.
Tel: +65 6549 7706 Fax : +65 6549 7011
Email : enquiry@gbp.com.sg Web : www.gbp.com.sg
Postscript: Hello Mr. Torr, I refer to your mention of an Asiana Airlines 737 crash at ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS is a monthly publication for
professionals working in all sectors of the airline, airport and related
SF Airport as opposed to a B777-200. I used to do proof reading in the past and can industries. Opinions expressed by contributors in ASIAN AIRLINES &
AIRPORTS do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or editor.
offer my services if needed! - Cyril Joseph, Deputy Station Manager/JFKKK, KLM This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in
whole or in part without the written express consent of the publishers.
Royal Dutch Airlines.
6 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM