MSS hand-held terminal usage might be possible onboard commercial aircraft

Abstract

The MSS phenomena is predicated upon an ample base of subscribers willing to pay for absolutely anytime, anywhere personal communications. Some believe economic success, especially for the Big LEOs, depends upon early adoption by globetrotting executives not constrained by their expenses for business communications. Yet, many experts consider extending hand-held MSS communication services into commercial aircraft passenger compartments impossible for technical reasons MSS terminals have the potential to interfere with some aircraft navigation systems and political factors. Instead they are resolute in their belief that pay phone service onboard aircraft is all these customers will demand. The technical means can be readily achieved this paper presents a plausible approach to handset design which, coupled with requisite aircraft equipment, could allow MSS handset communications onboard aircraft. The approach involves an old idea, simple repeater functionality, combined with prudent regulations regarding handset use onboard aircraft How this could actually improve future aircraft safety, reduce flight crew workloads, and pay for itself are also discussed. Should bureaucratic obstacles not be addressed during this critical MSS formative period, the consequences may be onerous to MSS service providers, their customers, and users: Depending upon severity and frequency, interference to aircraft navigation systems could otherwise give cause to FAA regulations prohibiting (1) MSS handset use onboard aircraft, (2) MSS handset carriage onboard aircraft (treatment similar to guns), or (3) MSS handset transport onboard aircraft (treatment similar to explosives and hazardous chemicals). The opportunity for interference from MSS handsets operated onboard aircraft, intentionally or inadvertently, is easy to envision. Virtually every frequent flyer has anecdotal tales of passengers using pocket calculators, hand-held games, or cellular telephones, covertly, when such use was clearly forbidden. One television sitcom even glamorized unauthorized cell phone use by a window seat passenger while his aircraft was preparing for takeoff. Flight attendants will have increasing difficulty patrolling for forbidden electronic device use as those devices get ever smaller especially during the critical periods of takeoff and landing. The ability to effect MSS communications via some standard MSS handset terminals used in a window seat while airborne will likely prove irresistible to subscribers fully accustomed to bypassing pay phones at every opportunity. The subscriber need not even have the terminal in hand, just turned on in a coat pocket, maybe even inadvertently. Then the phone rings. The caller wants only to caution the flyer to be careful driving in all the bad weather at the destination. And just when freedom from interference is most critical during bad weather landing and enforcement most difficult. It could happen so innocuously. The time to act is now. MSS service suppliers have the incentive and the opportunity. Airlines will likely be attracted to the economics, relief from increased regulation enforcement burdens, and also an increased safety benefit The FAA can be convinced to take appropriate action. Proactive effort is required, however, otherwise the MSS community may have little influence over FAA regulatory actions once services commence and MSS handsets proliferate. * Big-LEO Mobile Satellite Services. ' Member, AIAA Copyright © 1995 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.