Ep 6. Cell Phones on Planes

This episode of Mythbusters is all about testing the myth: can cell phones really interfere with airplane instrumentation and cause the aircraft to crash? This is an age-old question that has been explored many times before, but the Mythbusters team is taking it to the next level with their rigorous and scientific approach. The hosts, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, are joined by their team of experts, including Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, and Tory Belleci, as they put this myth to the test through a series of carefully designed experiments.

The first experiment tests whether a cell phone can interfere with a plane's compass. The team begins by placing a working compass in close proximity to a cell phone. They then dial the cell phone and move it around the compass to see if it affects the needle's movement. The results of this first test are inconclusive, as the cell phone appears to have no impact on the compass. However, the team decides to take things a step further by testing the cell phones in an airplane environment.

The next experiment involves placing a cell phone in close proximity to airplane wiring and electrical components in a test chamber. The team turns on the cell phone and observes whether the electronic devices are affected by its electromagnetic signal. Again, the results of this test are inconclusive, as the cell phone appears to have no impact on the airplane's electrical systems.

The team then takes their testing to the next level by simulating an airplane environment in a much larger chamber. They rig up a replica plane cockpit complete with all the necessary instrumentation and wiring. They then turn on a series of cell phones inside the cockpit to see if their signals can interfere with any of the airplane's systems. The team discovers that newer planes are equipped with advanced shielding that protects against electromagnetic interference from cell phones. However, older planes may not have this type of shielding, making them more susceptible to interference.

While the team does not find conclusive evidence that cell phones can interfere with airplane instrumentation, they caution viewers against using cell phones during flights. They point out that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) still requires that all cell phones be turned off during takeoff and landing, and many airlines still prohibit the use of cell phones in flight. The team also notes that while cell phone interference may not be a significant risk, there are other potential risks associated with using phones during flight, such as distracting other passengers or interfering with emergency communications.

Overall, this episode of Mythbusters provides a detailed examination of the myth that cell phones can interfere with airplane instrumentation. While the team does not find conclusive evidence either way, they provide valuable information about the potential risks associated with using cell phones during flight. Their testing methodology is meticulous and scientific, and their results are presented in a clear and accessible way. Fans of the show and anyone interested in the science behind everyday myths will find this episode to be both informative and entertaining.