covert@covert.enet.dec.com (John R. Covert 24-Sep-1990 1105) (09/24/90)
It is my understanding of the FARs that use of electronic equipment is prohibited from the time the aircraft begins to move under its own power until the cancellation of the VFR flight plan. I turn my phone off at push-back (since I can't necessarily tell for sure whether we're being pushed back by a tractor or under the craft's own power -- sure I can, but why bother) and turn the phone on after the aircraft has completed its braking and moved off the active runway. This is what airline pilots have told me is acceptable. Other airline employees have (on one occasion) grumbled about the phone after landing, but I tend to believe pilots rather than flight attendants. In Germany, you won't even be allowed on an aircraft with a cellular phone. On my last flight within Germany (with a cellular phone rented from Budget), I was not allowed to board the aircraft until the phone was placed within my luggage. The airline would not sell me insurance to cover the cost of the phone, and made me sign a document absolving them of financial responsibility for it. john