V-Flyer

Although there are posts relating to similar topics this is to let you know as of yesterday Virgin put new procedure in place for use of portable Electronic devices.

You can now use PDAs and mobiles and other devices that have a Flight safe mode.

though the Safe mode must be activated when the doors close / before take off.

VS have stated that if Flight Safe mode is not actioned at this time then the device cant be switched on later and then activate the mode! Dont quite know how that is supposed to be enforced??

All in all at least you can use them (Officially) now

Blueberries. Hehe. I prefer DingleBerry but this is a family sight.

Sorry if I am just being a bit thick, but why can't you use a PDA? I was planning on taking mine, just to write notes and I have some games on it. Is it that I have to ensure that it is not attemping to connect to the internet?

The reason is that the use of any transmitting devices on board is prohibited as it may interfere with the aircraft systems. Thus if a PDA also was a phone then you could not use it.

The problem for PDA/phones and smartphones the on/off button (if there is one) does not stop transmitting. In fact it just turns off the screen. So by insisting that they were turned off VS were not in fact achieving anything. What they needed to insist on, to ensure safety, was that the phone be set to flight safe mode, and this is now what the policy says. So now, so long as you set flight safe, you can use your PDA to your heart's content.[y]

I can see the problem with enforceability. However, it seems to me this is no different to ordinary phones which may be left turned (accidentally or otherwise) on in a bag, a pocket, wherever really. At least with a PDA, when it is being used the cabin crew can potentially take a quick peek as the pass - it is easy on most models to see if it is in flight safe or not (on mine a big "x" appears at the top of the screen).

Originally posted by sailor99
it is easy on most models to see if it is in flight safe or not (on mine a big "x" appears at the top of the screen).

...and my Nokia has a picture of a phone with a bar struck through it when the phone bit is switched off. I guess that's clear enough?

Mike

I presume that we still won't be able to use them until we reach cruising height and the seatbelt signs are first turned off.

Or has this changed too?

That should not be changed. The everything until 10k ban is not VS but is regulatory.

One of the problems VS had was enforcing the CAA which stated ALL CREW must be able to verify that a PELD is in a flight safe mode, and as we have just read that all manufacturers have different logos... What is annoying is that other airlines were not enforcing the CAA rules (unless they had a list of every model and trained ALL the crew?) But shouldnt be a problem now

Originally posted by sailor99
The reason is that the use of any transmitting devices on board is prohibited as it may interfere with the aircraft systems. Thus if a PDA also was a phone then you could not use it.

Well not to start a row but 'may' is right - according to a recent article I read virtually every plane takes off with two mobiles left switched on and no probs reported ... even I, who religiously try to follow the rules accidentally left mine on during a recent flight.

But this is sensible news especially for all those PS2 and the like users - and now I can play brick bats on the Crackberry!

Did they 'Bust' the theory of mobile signals interfering with Aircraft systems on 'Mythbusters'
Now this doesn't mean that believe everything I see or read.
Also, irrespective of it's rights or wrongs by the basis it was not allowed by the airlines own regulations was enough for me.
I will listen out on my next flight.

Paul