On the Airbands

 As predicted in earlier “On the Airbands” columns, Qantas (and also Ansett) has banned video games, laptop computers and other types of electronic devices during approach and landing sequences, allowing them to be used only in cruising flight.

Some devices emit signals strong enough to interfere with sensitive navigation and communications equipment. Highly computerised navigation systems such as those found on the Boeing 747-400 aircraft are very susceptible to RF (radio frequency) interference from devices such as laptops and AM and FM radio receivers.

At one stage, Qantas was actually inviting intending passengers who wished to use scanners or other receivers on board to go visit them prior to the flight and have the receivers checked out by engineers in the lab. If they got the all clear, they would issue a certificate allowing the receiver to be used on board. As commendable as the service was, manpower restraints have caused Qantas to abandon plans to continue offering this service.

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