Pilot sends direct warning to passengers who do not use aeroplane mode

An A330 pilot, Savina Paül, has issued a warning to passengers regarding the importance of using airplane mode on their mobile phones during flights. She highlights that modern aircraft, like the Airbus A330, are heavily computerized and susceptible to interference from multiple active mobile phones, especially during high-precision approaches. The cumulative impact of hundreds of phones can trigger fault warnings and affect the aircraft's instruments.

Paül explains that while a single phone might not cause significant issues, the combined effect of numerous devices can disrupt the aircraft's systems, particularly during critical phases like category 3 autoland. She recounts an incident where a fault warning appeared and disappeared while taxiing, attributing it to passengers turning on their phones immediately after landing. This interference is not necessarily radio-based but can affect the aircraft's sensitive instruments.

The pilot emphasizes that even minor errors can trigger alerts in the control systems, underscoring the need for passengers to adhere to the airplane mode requirement throughout the entire flight, regardless of its duration. She urges passengers to wait several minutes after landing before switching on their mobile phones to avoid potential disruptions. The pilot's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of commercial flights.

By activating airplane mode, passengers contribute to the overall safety and reliability of the flight, preventing potential interference with the aircraft's complex systems. The pilot's message reinforces the idea that seemingly small actions can have a significant impact on the smooth functioning of modern aircraft, particularly during critical phases of flight.