[304065]

Lee, that is a VERY interesting anecdote.

Another reason cell phones should not be used on aircraft is the principle of the "local oscillator."

Maybe some of the radio engineers here can comment, but basically the local oscillator is a mini-transmitter in the radio, that mixes with the received frequencies, and then all other frequencies are stripped out, leaving the signal you want to tune in.

Depending on the spectrum and the location of the intermediate frequency, you could generate enough RF intereference to mess with the avionics.

Try it sometime-- tune in an AM radio to a strong signal near the bottom of the band. Then tune in another radio in close proximity to the first, exactly 455 KHz higher than the first radio. All hell should break loose.