TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: AFA (Flight Attendants) Opposes In-Flight Cell Phone Use

AFA (Flight Attendants) Opposes In-Flight Cell Phone Use

Marcus Didius Falco (falco_marcus_didius@yahoo.co.uk)
Thu, 16 Dec 2004 21:42:50 -0500

There are a lot more interests than the FCC and FAA in this story, and
a lot of players who can delay or derail the change. In this case
its the flight attendants. They may be claiming a safety issue,
but it may be they don't want to deal with passengers yelling
into the phones, or it may be they're hoping to use it as a
bargaining chip in negotiations.

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AFA opposes in-flight cell phone use

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A union representing U.S. flight attendants is=
calling on the Federal Communications Commission to maintain its ban on
in-flight use of cellular telephones.

The Association of Flight Attendants warns widespread use of wireless
devices in the confined space of an aircraft cabin potentially could
interfere with an aircraft's communications and navigation systems,
compromise safety and increase conflicts between passengers and crew
member.

An AFA representative called for more research on the use of portable
electronic devices on board aircraft during a Washington meeting on
proposed changes in prohibitions on cellular use.

"While this process is unfolding, attempts to weaken the long-standing
FCC prohibition will only confuse the public, and any widespread
misperception by travelers that cell phone use in flight is now
intrinsically safe might well prove catastrophic," said Chris
Witkowski, director of the AFA Air Safety, Health and Security
Department in a statement.

The AFA represents more than 46,000 flight attendants.

Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.

Copyright 2004 UPI

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