Why does aircraft have plane mode, but trains don't?

I always found it fascinating how simple things that seem simple in our daily lives hide complex explanations.

And has a curiosity That a lot of people share: Why, after all, we are required to put the phone in the "plane mode" up there, thousands of meters high, but down here, traveling by train, no one even mentions that?

I have taken myself thinking about it myself several times.

As soon as I sit in the plane armchair, I'm already sliding my finger on the screen to activate the magical mode that theoretically disconnects me from the outside world.

But what about the high speed train?

The short answer is: the environment and the technology involved is drastically different.

Why is airplane mode basic on flights?

Let's go straight to the point. electromagnetic interference.

I know, it sounds like science fiction, but it's pretty real.

When a lot of people make these signs at the same time in a closed environment full of sensitive electronic equipment, the chance to occur some kind of interference increases.

Think about airplane systems: radio communication with air traffic control, browsing systems, complex instrument panel… All this works with very accurate electronics.

The airplane mode rule is an extra safety layer to minimize any risk, however small, that the signs of our cell phones can disrupt the critical systems of the aircraft, especially during sensitive flight phases such as landings and takeoffs.

It is important to note that with the advancement of technology, many younger aircraft and airlines already offer Wi-Fi on board and even allow the use of moving data limited (via femotels installed on the plane, for example).

This shows that the concern is not The device is connectedbut the signs he emits. curiosity that evolves with technology!

And on trains?

Now, let's go to the trains.

First, the operating environment.

Railway communications exist, of course, but the infrastructure is terrestrial and trains control and safety systems operate differently, usually less susceptible to radio interference from personal mobile devices.

Second, the construction.

The metal structure of a train may even help block or attenuate some external signs.

Third, the security.

The margin of error is minimal.

A curiosity Here is to understand that the level of risk and the nature of operating systems are completely different.

The truth behind the rule (and curiosity)

Then, the “truth behind the rule” of airplane mode is mainly safety and maximum precaution In a high sensitivity environment (the plane) versus a different operating environment and less susceptible to this type of interference (the train).

It is not that the signs of our cell phones definitely They would cause a plane crash, but the possibility, even remote, of interfering with critical systems is a risk that the aviation industry is simply not willing to run.

It is a matter of risk mitigation at the highest level.

In the trains, this curiosity It does not even appear as a relevant concern for operational safety.

Infrastructure, control systems and travel environment itself make the plane mode rule unnecessary and frankly useless.

Over time, aviation rules are adapting, allowing more connectivity on board.

But the plane mode rule, in essence, was born of a genuine concern with safety at a time when we were less certain about the effects of electromagnetic interference on avionic equipment.

It is interesting to think as something as common as a trip can bring us so many curiosities About the technologies and rules that surround us, right?

Next time you are flying and have to activate airplane mode, remember that it is for a good reason-the safety of all on board.

And when relaxing on the train, taking advantage of your mobile phone without restrictions, know that the difference in the environment and technology is the key to this freedom.

That curiosity About airplane mode the train made me research and better understand the particularities of each means of transport.

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So, what did you think of this curiosity Unveiled?

Have you ever stopped to think about it? Leave your comment below And tell me your opinion!

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