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Contributor
pul249
Posts: 6
Registered: 11-22-2009
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airplane mode

Does airplane mode allow you to read at takeoff and landing or just while you are in the air after the stewardess allows "some" electronic devices to be used??

Inspired Contributor
LaManchaDQ
Posts: 143
Registered: 11-14-2009
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Re: airplane mode

 


pul249 wrote:

Does airplane mode allow you to read at takeoff and landing or just while you are in the air after the stewardess allows "some" electronic devices to be used??


 

 

Airplane Mode is an unduly confusing term.  Airplane mode, in this case, is simply that all wireless functions are shut off.  You should be allowed to read the nook at any time "allowable" electronic devices are permitted to be used.

 

Think of it this way.  Airlines only allow you to use your cell phone while the airplane doors are open.  However they allow you to use a laptop after taking off and after landing.  The nook will share the same "rights" as a laptop when in "airplane mode."

 

 

Inspired Correspondent
lilio
Posts: 324
Registered: 11-07-2009
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Re: airplane mode

If I put my phone in its "airplane mode" I can play games on it while in the air.  I am not sure about takeoff and landing.  I usually can't focus then anyway. 

Contributor
pul249
Posts: 6
Registered: 11-22-2009
0

Re: airplane mode

I heard from Barnes and Noble today. They say I can use it during takeoff and landing.  That goes against what I would think, unless somehow it becomes the same as a piece of paper in airplane mode. I don't trust that answer.

Distinguished Correspondent
very-simple
Posts: 1,262
Registered: 11-11-2009
0

Re: airplane mode

I imagine that, even if from a "technological" standpoint, you can use the nook during takeoff and landing, most cabin crew would not differentiate and would view it as an electronic device and make you put it away for those few minutes - given that you have to stow plenty of other electronic devices that have no cellular or wifi components.

Inspired Contributor
LaManchaDQ
Posts: 143
Registered: 11-14-2009
0

Re: airplane mode

 


pul249 wrote:

I heard from Barnes and Noble today. They say I can use it during takeoff and landing.  That goes against what I would think, unless somehow it becomes the same as a piece of paper in airplane mode. I don't trust that answer.


 

I wouldn't trust that answer either. But nook doesn't become equivalent to paper. The nook is an electronic device.  Most likely, in Airplane mode (wireless turned off), you'll be able to use it during the same times that you are able to use a laptop.

 

Inspired Correspondent
njnookman
Posts: 75
Registered: 11-16-2009
0

Re: airplane mode

FAA restrictions on electronic devices are caused by the possibility that "some" devices, especially cell phones, "may" transmit on frequencies which interfere with high-priority navigational and guidance traffic, e.g., tower to cockpit.  Whether this is so, or not, remains a matter of contention.

 

The reality, however, is that airlines have the right to restrict when, and at what times, electronic devices may be used.  Remember, if ANY device is improperly shielded from electronic interference, whether it's a radio, or not, it can emit signals at indeterminate frequencies.

 

In theory, nook should emit no more signals than, say, a Nintendo game -- when the wi-fi and  cellular radios are turned off.  For safety's sake, and to avoid hassles with air crew, I would at least turn the radios off while onboard the aircraft.

 

 

Correspondent
ps56k
Posts: 630
Registered: 10-24-2009
0

Re: airplane mode

[ Edited ]

 


pul249 wrote:

I heard from Barnes and Noble today. They say I can use it during takeoff and landing.  That goes against what I would think, unless somehow it becomes the same as a piece of paper in airplane mode. I don't trust that answer.


 

 

Simple answer - any kind of electronic device these days can emit some RF interference ...

Therefore, the FAA crew determines what they will allow to be used during takeoff and landing, along with what is published in their safety flyers...

If this is a problem for you to follow, then maybe your nook should be packed and not carried on...

 

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/b5c85ae8e38df676862571da...$FILE/AC%2091.21-1B.pdf