Man charged over Mid Air Mobile row.

[Adrian B]

From todays Herald Sun

A 54-year-old man who allegedly refused to turn his mobile phone off during a flight out of Sydney has been charged with endangering an aircraft.

Police say the man boarded a Jetstar flight from Sydney to Queensland's Hervey Bay early today, and then argued with the cabin crew when he refused to switch off his mobile.

"He allegedly refused to stop using his mobile phone," a Queensland Police spokesman said in a statement tonight.

"It's alleged that around 8.30am (AEST) the man became abusive towards a flight attendant after his mobile phone was confiscated."

At Hervey Bay airport police were waiting for the man. He was arrested after he disembarked from the plane and taken into custody.

The man has been charged with an offence against Section 22 of the Crimes Aviation Act, for endangering the safety of an aircraft.

He is expected to appear in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on September 25.

AAP

some people will never learn........

[Simon L.]

It's pretty sad to hear these incidents really, but this is life. I also know a case which the flight attendant refused to provide any alcohol to a male passenger in accordance with relevant RSA codes and the guy then threatened the cabin crew so the air marshal restrained him and was handed over to the police after landing. Unfortunately, the guy only got a temporary detention of a few days and was eventually released with a police caution - well, at least this happened in another country.

[Ian Garton]

I know a couple of people that never turn their phones off whilst flying just because they are stuborn and don't think much of the regulations.

[Greg W.]

Originally Posted by Ian Garton

I know a couple of people that never turn their phones off whilst flying just because they are stuborn and don't think much of the regulations.

I place this type of offending in the same category as that of speeding; A complete disregard for other people's safety, not to mention their own.

Being a goose on an aircraft is a sure fire way to notch up a criminal history, as it is almost certain that the AFP will refer it for prosecution.

[Mike Scott]

Over here we ask you to turn the phones off nicely then if someone doesnt comply the FA's are under instruction (we go over it during briefing) to confiscate the phone and not return it until the passenger is leaving the aircraft. Should there be a problem then we either dont leave the gate or reurn to the gate where the problem child is escorted of the aircraft by waiting police. I/we have zero tolerance for people who dont comply with crew member directives....if you dont like it then dont fly.

MS

[Jamie D]

Originally Posted by Mike Scott

. I/we have zero tolerance for people who dont comply with crew member directives....if you dont like it then dont fly.

MS

Thats the way it should be too! It's not hard to follow crew directives on a flight