We’ve probably all accidentally done it, but what really happens to a plane when you leave your mobile on during a take off?
Well, not a lot according to one pilot.
Chris Foster, chief pilot for Easyjet, has answered travellers burning questions, including the damage a rogue mobile or iPad can cause during take off and landing.
“In reality, [it’s] nothing to be concerned about. Aircraft control systems are so sophisticated now, that they wouldn’t cause any interference,” he told The Mirror.
“The regulations date back many years to when we didn’t even have things like iPads.
“The laws are starting to be relaxed – you can now use your devices in flight safety mode – and I think we’ll see more changes over the next few years.”
Foster also put passengers minds at ease about the likelihood of the cabin door being opened mid-flight, saying it was “absolutely not” possible for someone to do that while in the air.
“The aircraft is pressurized and the doors are what we call ‘plug doors’, which prevents them from being opened until the pressure is released.”
The experienced pilot shared other helpful bits of information as well.
Window shutters need to remain open during take off and landing to allow cabin crew to check for hazards if an evacuation is needed, and Foster says turbulence is incredibly unlikely to ever make a plane crash.
“Turbulence causes discomfort, much like driving down a road with lots of potholes does, but it’s not dangerous or unsafe.”
