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On Sunday 24 September 2006 12:00, Per Jessen wrote:
I still doubt this wireless-off switch is an actual FAA requirement, I have to say - do you have a reference to it? Is it brandnew? My laptop is.
The requirement is that you may not operate anything that sends or receives a radio signal, and the requirement is also an EU requirement, and its part of German Law. So that would leave YOU with the requirement to make sure the wifi is off, or just not use the device.
When you run Linux, chances are the laptop becomes non-compliant.
I don't really mind - I'll just tell the airlines-hostess that I've switched it off - she can even watch me press the buttons. Several times if need be.
These things are getting cheap: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-7025863-4148724?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wireless+detector&Go.x=11&Go.y=14&Go=Go There seems to be a race these days between those who want to add wifi/cell service on planes and those who want to ban it totally. It will only take one incident to get computers banned entirely in this day and age... Found this on the web: --- The MLS (Microwave Landing System) is 5.0 to 5.25GHz. TDWR (Terminal Doppler Weather Radar) is 5.6 to 5.65GHz. Only the major airports have them. In the US, the 802.11a operating frequencies are: 5.15 to 5.35GHz and 5.725 to 5.825GHz. It's the European region 802.11a clients that worry the FAA. They overlap the MLS and TDWR system: Europe: 19ch 5.15 to 5.35GHz and 5.47 to 5.725GHz Japan: 4ch 5.15 to 5.25GHz China : 5ch 5.725 to 5.85GHz US: 12ch 5.15 to 5.35GHz and 5.725 to 5.825GHz. --- However, to the best of my knowledge there has never been any documented case where either a cell phone or a wifi transmitter has ever interfered with any flight system. There are a lot of anecdotal claims, but Boeing has attempted to detect any such problems and have never found any. (Including one incident where Boeing flew to Europe, purchased the alleged culprit laptop from its owner and flew it on the same plane on the same route and could never find a thing no matter how hard they tried. -- _____________________________________ John Andersen