Why do all Electronics have to be Turned Off for Takeoff and Landing?

Many commercial airline passengers complain about having to shut off all electronic devices for takeoff and landing. After all, what can a cell phone really do to interfere with a state-of-the-art communications system on board a jet? Furthermore, why the need to shut off iPods and video games? If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ve figured out how to buckle your seatbelt, look for the emergency exit, and to strap on your oxygen mask first before assisting others.

These rules are important safety measures in an effort to keep passengers safe during the most crucial points in an aircraft’s journey. For instance, all electronic devices must be shut off so that our eyes and ears are alert and can react to any changes around us. Therefore, cell phones, iPods, video games, laptops and the like must be turned off so that passengers can take direction from crew members if an emergency arises.

Additionally, electromagnetic interference may present a problem for an aircraft’s communication system. During takeoff and landing a captain must be in contact with the control tower. Electromagnetic interference, which can occur from devices such as cell phones and portable laptops with wireless capabilities, may in fact affect an aircraft’s ability to communicate with an airport. Alert passengers who can react to emergency situations mean safe skies for all of us.