Flight mode
Encyclopedia
Flight mode is a setting available on most cell phones, smartphone
s and other electronic devices that, when engaged, suspends many of the device's signal transmitting functions – thereby disabling the device's capacity to place or receive calls or text messages
– while still permitting use of other functions that do not require signal transmission (e.g., games, built-in camera
, MP3 player).
The name is derived from the fact that it permits the user to operate the device while on board a commercial aircraft
while in flight, where the operation of cell phones and other devices that send or receive signals is generally prohibited
due to the potential impact on aircraft avionics
and the potential for interference with ground cell networks. Other names include airplane mode, offline mode, and standalone mode.
FM Receiver, Bluetooth, wireless LAN antenna and GPS should still be operative if the phone is so equipped. Many models, including most Apple
mobile devices, disable GPS and some of the other features, although this is inconsistent among manufacturers, since these latter functions are permitted on some aircraft and not others. Nevertheless, certain airlines specifically prohibit the use of devices with a 'Flight mode' at all times.
While in Airplane mode some devices allow you to continue to write text messages and E mails and will save it to phone memory to send later when an active network connection is achieved.
Although it is not possible to send calls or text in Airplane mode, some devices such as some Nokia
smartphones allow you to make an Emergency call regardless of the fact that the phone is in Airplane mode. whilst other mobile devices such as earlier Sony Ericsson
devices only allow active mobile network connections regardless of whether it is an Emergency call or not only after the device has been turned off and restarted to normal mode.
One feature that Airplane mode can be noted for is its power saving abilities. Because the device has no connectivity to a mobile network, it has no reason to search continuously for reception and so the battery lasts longer.
Smartphone
A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
s and other electronic devices that, when engaged, suspends many of the device's signal transmitting functions – thereby disabling the device's capacity to place or receive calls or text messages
Text messaging
Text messaging, or texting, refers to the exchange of brief written text messages between fixed-line phone or mobile phone and fixed or portable devices over a network...
– while still permitting use of other functions that do not require signal transmission (e.g., games, built-in camera
Camera phone
A camera phone is a mobile phone which is able to capture still photographs . Since early in the 21st century the majority of mobile phones in use are camera phones....
, MP3 player).
The name is derived from the fact that it permits the user to operate the device while on board a commercial aircraft
Commercial aviation
Commercial aviation is the part of civil aviation that involves operating aircraft for hire to transport passengers or cargo...
while in flight, where the operation of cell phones and other devices that send or receive signals is generally prohibited
Mobile phones on aircraft
As of 2011, most airlines do not allow the use of mobile phones on aircraft, because it is thought they could adversely affect the navigational instruments in the cockpit...
due to the potential impact on aircraft avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
and the potential for interference with ground cell networks. Other names include airplane mode, offline mode, and standalone mode.
FM Receiver, Bluetooth, wireless LAN antenna and GPS should still be operative if the phone is so equipped. Many models, including most Apple
Apple
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family . It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans. Apple grow on small, deciduous trees that blossom in the spring...
mobile devices, disable GPS and some of the other features, although this is inconsistent among manufacturers, since these latter functions are permitted on some aircraft and not others. Nevertheless, certain airlines specifically prohibit the use of devices with a 'Flight mode' at all times.
While in Airplane mode some devices allow you to continue to write text messages and E mails and will save it to phone memory to send later when an active network connection is achieved.
Although it is not possible to send calls or text in Airplane mode, some devices such as some Nokia
Nokia
Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications corporation that is headquartered in Keilaniemi, Espoo, a city neighbouring Finland's capital Helsinki...
smartphones allow you to make an Emergency call regardless of the fact that the phone is in Airplane mode. whilst other mobile devices such as earlier Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB is a joint venture established on October 1, 2001 by the Japanese consumer electronics company Sony Corporation and the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson to manufacture mobile phones....
devices only allow active mobile network connections regardless of whether it is an Emergency call or not only after the device has been turned off and restarted to normal mode.
One feature that Airplane mode can be noted for is its power saving abilities. Because the device has no connectivity to a mobile network, it has no reason to search continuously for reception and so the battery lasts longer.