On Jan 13, 8:53*pm, "Mark B." wrote:
"Podge" wrote in ...
I was on an Air New Zealand flight a while ago, and I started to take a few
pics (from my digital still camera) as the aircraft took off. An air
hostess politely told me that the use of electronic devices was not
permitted during take-offs or landings. I told her that I was using a
dedicated still digital camera and not a camcorder, but she still asked me
to turn it off. About 10 minutes later, when land was well out of sight, we
were able to turn on our "electronic devices". But about 10 minutes before
landing, while still over the sea, all electronic devices had to be turned
off again. The only worthwhile photography from this flight was during the
first and last 5 minutes of the flight, and this would apply to many other
flights that I have been on.

Now I know that the use of camcorders has been banned during take-offs and
landings, but I didn't know that digital still cameras now suffered this
fate. My digital camera can't take movies, but I know that a lot of
digital still cameras can also take movies. From a practical point of
view, does anyone know whether digital cameras really CAN interfere with
an aircraft's navigation systems? Are airlines being a little too cautious
with regard to the use of digital cameras and camcorders?

About 5 years ago, nobody cared when I used my camcorder or digital still
camera during take-offs or landings, and there were no reports then of
interference with the aircrafts' navigation systems! So what has changed
during the last 5 years?

Podge

Guess you haven't taken any flights for a while. *Airline security has
changed drastically over the last several years, including turning off all
electronic deviced during takeoff & landings. *Even something so harmless as
a PDA, which I usually have with me to read e-books during a flight. *Most
PDAs have wireless connections built-in now, but years ago when I started
using one there was no such thing - didn't matter, it still had to be off
except while the aircraft was at cruising altitude.

Mark

I took digital photos from aircrafts during take off and landing many
times, a while ago or just recently (last year). We still have not
been explained technically regarding positive proof of such
interferences. When you fly in third world countries in the past, they
have concerns that you take photos (even using the old conventional
cameras) from the air (perhaps due sensitive installation, sites,
etc). However, perhaps the practice is now starting to spread over the
liberal, democratic countries as well.

On similar view, do you recall that you cannot use a cell phone inside
a hospital, as it may interfere with EKG equipment, etc. Ironically,
my experience in one of the hospital in South east Asia was that
everyone in the hospital (including the interns and doctors) were all
using cell phones. Then, last month we all heard about the news that
revealed 10 common myths that people is still being forced to believe.
The report indicated that the chance of interference is very small.
However, it is strange that only perhaps 2 out of every 5 news media
actually discussed about this particular issue (cell phone in
hospital). The other 3 out of the 5 seems to push the news under the
rug. Why? You can perhaps google it under the news and see who
reported it and who did not.

Wouldn't this all cover under "who is and who wants to be in
control?". Sure, if you fly, they prefer you to be in chains and
naked . That way it is 100% sure that you will not affect
anything..... or perhaps telepathy would still even be a concern in
this case ?