UK's CAA says cell phones interfere with planes


CNet is reporting that the UK's Civil Aviation Authority has released a report detailing the ways in which cellular phone use interferes with airplanes.

According to the report summary, the issues are:

  • False notification of unsafe conditions, e.g. incorrect baggage compartment smoke alarm warnings
  • Malfunction of aircraft systems
  • Interrupted communications due to noise in the flight crew headphones
  • Distraction of crews from their normal duties due to increased work levels and the possibility of having to invoke emergency drills