₦airaland Forum

Pilot Explains What Really Happens If You Don’t Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode While Flying

A commercial pilot has taken to TikTok to clear up a popular misconception about why passengers are told to switch their phones to airplane mode during flights. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a viral video posted by TikTok user @PerchPoint, the pilot described the rule as “not a conspiracy theory” but an important precaution that supports flight safety.
“Your Phone Won’t Crash the Plane, But It Can Cause Problems”

The pilot began by clarifying that failing to enable airplane mode won’t make a plane fall out of the sky, but it can create serious interference for pilots.

“Putting your phone on airplane mode won’t stop the plane from flying,” he said, “but it does help prevent annoying interference in the cockpit.”

He explained that when multiple devices try to connect to cell towers mid-flight, they emit radio waves that can interfere with pilots’ headsets.

“I once heard this loud buzzing in my headset — like a mosquito flying around my ear — while trying to land the plane,” he recounted. “It made it hard to hear critical instructions from air traffic control.”

Why Airplane Mode Really Matters

Though it may sound harmless, the buzzing interference can be distracting during critical phases of flight, such as take-off and landing, when communication with air traffic control is essential.

According to Travel and Leisure, most aviation accidents occur during these high-focus moments, making clear audio transmissions vital for flight safety.

In short, airplane mode is less about preventing crashes and more about ensuring smooth, uninterrupted communication for the crew.

“It’s a simple act of courtesy,” the pilot added, “that helps everyone on board — including us in the cockpit — stay focused and safe.”

https://eyesoflagos.com/pilot-explains-what-really-happens-if-you-dont-put-your-phone-on-airplane-mode-while-flying/

The pilot is looking like peak Messi
Nice information by the way

Simple explanation, "interference", multiple RF devices in use will cause interference..

People no dey ever hear word, it's the same thing everywhere around the world, ESPECIALLY AMONG AFRICANS!!!

You hear pilot or air hostess announcing it several times, but some unfortunate and stubborn people won't listen. They'll only stop pressing that phone when the network stops connecting, putting the lives of others in danger.
Last week, na so I just dey look all of them dey make calls, do Facebook, tiktok etc

Everyone's safety is everyone's concern.
So switch to flight mode during take off and landing. It's just a few minutes.

We no dey do for local flight. I cant remember last time I did.
Most of our local fight planes are more than 60 years old. Molue in d sky.

Not for Nigerian girls oo, once they enter plane, that's when they will start snapping and uploading pictures on their Facebook and Whatsapp status just to show that they have arrived.

Please spell words correctly when you post, and try to use perfect grammar and punctuation.

Shawarmagirl:
Informative. But i do see some people making calls onboard a plane.

He said landing and taking off are the critical times during a flight so flight mode should be on.

That means it can cause crash.
Cos taking off and landing are crucial and if the pilots can't hear instructions, then plane could crash

I think this is informative and essential for those who board plane

Shawarmagirl:
Informative. But i do see some people making calls onboard a plane.

WiFi only. While you avoid all those interference coming from your telecommunication satellite, you can use the plane's WiFi.

Very informative and nice submission… God bless you

Thanks for this wonderful and lifesaving information.

Baawaa:
Simple explanation, "interference", multiple RF devices in use will cause interference..

He said when multiple devices try to get network, it emits more radioactive waves causing interference. 2 or 3 cell phones won't disturb, but many. So it's better u stop all because u can't select some passengers to use phones. Radioactive waves are so strong that it can cook an egg when plenty mobile phones close together emits it with the egg placed in-between them .

oyeb15:
We no dey do for local flight. I can remember last time I did.
Most of our local fight plane are more than 60 years. Molue in d sky.

My brother, na real danfo in the sky oooo. They paint old planes to look new. Nigeria local airlines na your mate.

Just like calling in to a radio station without turning down your own radio,frequency go jam.

This information is simple, factual and easy to understand.
No need for long debate or giving unnecessary explanations. Just understand it and digest it.

Airplane mode dey helpful for takeoff and landing.

Tank u for this analysis u had given us. I am inside a plane nah heading to Kenya . After this comment I will off my phone till landing safely.

People don't listen

I always turn my phone to airplane mode when taking off and landing......some people will just be forming nonsense and be operating their phones

richmond500:
That means it can cause crash.
Cos taking off and landing are crucial and if the pilots can't hear instructions, then plane could crash

If it can cause crash then why as it not caused any yet , whats the wait for

Like many these days don't listen to ordinary fm radio again, they only blast the mp3 mode. Put your radio on, then try using other electrical equipments within range. Such humming sounds is his reference. Even worse on MW (Medium Wave) and SW (Short Wave) frequencies.

That is weytinz we lack in Africa, we dey follows simple instructions

This is informative and straightforward no need for adding conspiracy theories that's not factual

With all the reasons you gave here it's enough and compulsory for passengers to put their cell phone on flight mode, because if pilot couldn't receive instructions clearly from tower it can lead to fatal accident.

Advice:
Turn on the flight 🛫 mode; it is there for a reason.

Switch to WiFi only: either the plane's WiFi or your neighbours' generosity in whichever way (you know what I mean) 🤣🤣🤣🤣

oyeb15:
We no dey do for local flight. I can remember last time I did.
Most of our local fight plane are more than 60 years. Molue in d sky.

The age of an airplane does not define its safety or reliability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ccKJSDBQrE