Hello, Up There...

Certain cellular telephones and PDAs have an “airplane” or “game” mode designed to prevent interference with aircraft communication. Does that mean it’s okay to turn it on and call home anytime during a flight?

The answer is no, according to West Coast Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman Donn Walker. Safety is cited as the main concern. The only time a passenger is allowed to use a cell phone for a call is before and after landing—and only after it has been approved by a crew member. The Federal Communications Commission is interested in wider allowance of cell use, but the final word belongs to the FAA.

If your phone is a Samsung A500 from Sprint PCS, or another model with “airplane” mode, check with a flight attendant. A crew member might confirm you’ve got a noninterference model phone —and may let you play games or check phone directories. Using the phone for a call is still a no-no.

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