Source: Shanghai Daily Author: Tan Kok Tim 09/06/2007
Subject Concerned: Opinion Aircrew Airlines
I refer to the report that a China Airlines plane (from Taiwan) blew up on August 20 after landing at Okinawa airport.
Some people said hand phones and laptops could be the cause.
All commercial aircraft crew use the public address system to remind passengers not to switch on their machines during the aircraft's landing or takeoff as it might interfere with the plane's electronic systems.
But how many passengers take heed of the message? More so, the message may not be understood as some passengers might not know the language or some are illiterate.
I would like to suggest that all commercial aircraft should place a static video display on the video monitor screen before and after takeoff (or while the plane is on the tarmac, or is heading for the aero-bridges) to remind the passengers visually that they must switch off their hand phones and laptops.
The visual message on the audio monitor screen should have a red X sign to show that switching on and using the hand phones and laptops are not allowed.
A picture is worth more than a thousand words.
I believe the video monitor screen should be used on all commercial aircraft as the message on the public address system may not be able to convey the message to all passengers effectively.
It may even get the stubborn passengers to sit up and think twice about the message.