For years we've been told that gadgets produce EMI or electromagnetic interference that cause an aircraft to crash.
So much for the theory, but is there any proof that this is a problem? There are no known recorded incidents of crashes having been definitely caused by such interference, but that said the causes of accidents can sometimes remain unknown.
Everyone knows that you have to turn off all electronic devices during takeoff and landing or face the anger of the flight attendants, but why when the sun with its solar storms bombard us with far more EMI's than my iPhone?
You can even see the electromagnetic fields from the sun, as the Northern Lights.
However for the past 10 years, most commercial aircraft are made of composite materials and consequently less resistant to electromagnetic threats. So basically we save money, but decrease the security!
FYI mobile phones are not banned in hospitals, however under certain circumstances, the electromagnetic interference from a mobile can affect the performance of some medical devices.
A survey released by the Airline Passenger Experience Association, found 30% of passengers accidentally left an electronic device turned on during a flight. Oops!... I Did It Again.