Having a mobile phone able to make calls from a plane can be very handy in
an emergency
and I would reccommend that you always take one with you, you never know
when you may
need it. Having it wired to be operated optionally hands free can only be
an advantage.
My understanding is that it is unwise to operate a mobile phone in the AIR
for two reasons.
Firstly a mobile phone gives off a powerful signal INSIDE the aircraft
which can affect
electronic equipment, it may even blow the mind of your GPS if close
enough. Not something
you really need.
Secondly, the cellphone may access more than one cell if in an area where
there are an accumulation
of cells ie. near any built up area which will cause rapid switching of the
cells and could lead
to probems for the carrier.
Having said this, I had occassion with my instructor to use one at
Palmerston North in New Zealand
when we could not raise anyone on the radio. It turned out that the clock
had just ticked past when that
frequency was manned, and the operator had gone home. The mobile call, put
our minds at rest
and we continued without the worry that the frequency was active and we may
not have been
hearing other aircraft converging. Any inconvenience to the carrier would
have been justified
rather than 7600 and arriving with added concern. My instructor now knows
to check her watch.
My advice, take a cellphone, a spare charged battery and do not use it
while in the air unless
you have an emergency, when it might just be very useful.
Regards
Trevor in NZ
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