BA B777 update

[Oddball]

I blame the visitors from outer space myslef. if you cant find out what happened they are always behind it 

[leiafee]

Much as the irony might be amusing, I suspect that theory is a non-starter.

Aw heck, Leia!  Never let the facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory!   

Point! 

[Chopper Doc]

With regard to radio-magnetic interference, there are plenty of instances where poor shielding, ground loops, or other wiring ghosts can allow spurious signals to effect electronics.  Once installed in your aircraft, a ghost can become the defining factor in an aircraft's performance - or, as in this case, lack of performance.

Many years ago a Canadian Air Force C-130 Herc had such a ghost: if, when configured for landing, one specific radio was used (for instance, to call short) the aircraft would yaw dramatically - a rather unnerving evolution to manage while crossing the fence.  It turned out to be RMI related to an interaction between the antenna lead and a yaw damper, IIRC.

Anyway, radio frequency ghosts are a potential hazard and may explain our 777 loss of power.

[Frank N. O.]

So does that also mean that there's still a reason not to use electronic devices while onboard a plane? What about a laptop computer when on a overseas flight?

Frank

[Chopper Doc]

Most consumer electronics are shielded well enough not to cause interference with other consumer electronics. 

Which brings us to the consumer electronics made to radiate: cell phones, Bluetooth enabled devices, WAN enabled phones, computers or PDAs, etc.  All are made to radiate RF energy and they do have the potential to add ghosts.  That's the reason the cabin crew tell us to ask them before turning on any electronics.  It's also why they insist that all gear is turned off for the critical flight phases at launch and landing.

Otherwise, a very small likelihood that your iPod will crash the jet.

[Frank N. O.]

Thank you for the reply. I'd be happy with just a normal laptop computer without wireless anything, or a webcam for that matter, I won't need those at all.

Frank