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Tom,
I too am very interested in the definition of "emergency "
situations. Prior to Nextell buying out all of the 800 MHZ radio towers in
our area, we were able to utilize a phone patch over an 800 MHz trunked
system and talk to both the sending and/or receiving facilities for patient
reports, pilots could file IFR flight plans over the phone, and many other
applications. We are no longer able to utilize this service because, as I
understand it, Nextel does not have a radio with a tone remote function that is
able to interface with the aircraft's ICF system.
It is my understanding that part of the reason "cell"
(analog) phones are not permitted in aircraft was the inability to select a
single tower site and that a cell (analog) phone would open up multiple
towers. Additionally, the older analog towers were much more limited on
the number of users per tower. Digital, however, appears to have improved
the number of users per tower and/or could be programed to only access a single
tower.
Is this accurate? Has this (digital phones) improvement
been addressed? What are other programs using for phone type
services?
Although it may be hot in Texas right now, the snapper, cobia
(ling) and amberjack are thick and 12 count shrimp at $ 4.00 per pound
right off the boat! Besides at about 100 feet down, it is in the
upper 70's and the vis offshore rivals the Carribean.
Bill Waechter
San Antonio AirLife
>>> tom@tomwaters.net 08/11/03 10:40AM >>> Good morning
America...
I am sure there is a
program out there that has run across a federal document, and/or obtained an
STC-type authorization and/or has a policy and/or statement from your aviation
vendor on the useage of cellphones in the aircraft.
As we all know, under "normal" circumstances, their use is expressly forbidden. But, In the FAA's statements (which I cannot find, and am asking for a reference here...) is the loophole that they can be used in "emergency" situations. I need the
definition of "emergency" , if there is one, ie: mechanical, or is an air
ambulance exempt, or exempt when the pt. crumps, etc.
I would like any
referrals to websites, emails of policies, or letters, etc.
I've worked in rural
and urban settings, and cellphone use continues to be VERY necessary from time
to time. A major metropolitan city's primary trauma receiving hospital
just changed their radio system, and now virtually no-one can talk to them, so
the phone is our only option, and primary backup for the rest of the
planet.
I have been tasked
to find a "permission slip" so to speak, so some of our pilots will feel better,
and we can guide our vendor to create corporate policy for their programs
nation-wide.
Thanks in advance,
and hey, post public, as it will benefit us all, I am sure.
Fly Safe, and stay
cool (ie: stay away from Texas right now...)
Tom
Waters
STAT Air /
Care
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