Flightcell Pro FAQ's

How big is Flightcell Pro, and what does it weigh?
The main body of the unit is 145mm long x 67mm wide x 38mm deep. In inches, that is 5.71" long x 2.64" wide x 1.5" deep. It weighs about 360gms (11 oz).

What is the problem with multiple cell sites?
This problem really relates to older technology and is now rarely encountered. The problem of multiple cell triggering is still a possibility with Digital phones but only if you make a call while you are directly over a high population area (for eg. Sydney CBD). If multiple cells are triggered, the the call will be dropped automatically by the main computer. No other problems should be expected. CDMA and Analogue systems are by far the best for the aviation user.

Can my passengers hear my phone conversation?
Passengers are never able to hear the incoming audio from a cellphone call made using Flightcell Pro. They may be able to hear the outgoing audio if the ISO function is not used. By using the ISO function you have total privacy for both incoming and outgoing audio. Flightcell Pro also provides the option to connect a second headset, allowing more than one person to use the phone simultaneously.

Can my passengers hear music through the intercom system?
Only the person who has their headset plugged in to the Flightcell can hear music from the Auxilliary audio input. Flightcell Pro has the option to add a second headset allowing more than one person hear all inputs.

Will Flightcell Pro power my phone?
No. Your phone will be powered by its own battery.

Can more than one person plug into Flightcell Pro at a time?
Yes. Flightcell Pro works as a dual VOX two place intercom using the optional second headset interface. This allows conversation between the two headsets as well as allowing both users to access a connected phone.

Is Flightcell Pro certified for use in aircraft?
No. It is not required to be, as it is a completely portable item just like a headset or portable intercom.

Is it legal to use my phone while flying?
The answer to this depends on the country in which you are intending to use your phone. The rules have been relaxed in many countries as it has been demonstrated that interference to flight systems is unlikely.
New Zealand and Australia no longer ban the use of cellular phones but leave it to the pilots discretion. A similar situation exists in the USA however use in IFR aircraft is discouraged. Whilst the FCC still have old rules in place, action against a pilot is improbable.

Is there a phone system that is better for aviation use?
The new CDMA system is proving to be as good if not better than the older Analogue system. Range can be in excess of 100km from cell site and interference to systems is highly unlikely. GSM and other digital systems (TDMA) are OK, however range is unlikely to exceed 40kms and care must be taken not to place the phone close to instrument panel or antennas as interference is possible at very close range. TDMA (as used by Nextel) phone systems are often used in conjunction with analogue systems allowing the user to turn off the digital mode. This is advised if you are not using an external cell phone antenna.

Does Flightcell Pro need aircraft systems to operate?
No. Unlike other systems Flightcell Pro is self-contained with its own power supply. Therefore in the event of a failure of the aircraft systems you can still use you phone to communicate with the tower.

Can I power Flightcell Pro from my aircraft?
Yes, you can power Flightcell from any power source between 9-32 volts. In addition, the Bose version of Flightcell Pro has a Lemo connector and is powered by the aircraft.

Can I use Flightcell Pro to interface non-aviation radios to my headset?
Yes. Using you can purchase an additional auxiliary radio interface lead which you can plug into most handheld radios.These are custom made and you will need to inform us of the radio make and model.

What do I do if someone calls me on the radio when I am on a phone call?
With Flightcell Pro you remain connected to the aircraft radio systems while on a phone call. All you need to do is ask your caller to hold and then transmit as usual. You do not need to switch or unplug anything unless you are using the mute function, in which case you need to turn this off for your transmission to be heard.

Can anyone else hear my phone call?
Only the person/s whose headset is plugged into the Flightcell Pro can hear and talk to the caller. The call is at no time able to be transmitted to another party.

What if my phone does not have the 2.5mm handsfree socket built in?
Adaptor plugs are available for many phones that currently have no PHF socket built in. Some adaptors are available from Flightcell free of charge with your purchase, or from various cell phone retailers, and cell phone accessory websites. Please contact us if you need any assistance getting the right adaptor for your cell phone.

Can I hear my phone ring in my headset?
This is dependant on software within your phone, and something that Flightcell has no control over. Most newer phones will ring through the headset. If in doubt, plug a Personal Hands Free earset into your phone and try it. If your phone does not ring through the headst, you can set it to auto-answer if this option is available. We have added a 'ring beep' option to Flighcell Pro to announce when an incoming call is connected.

Do I still have to hold my phone up to my head?
No. All communication is via your headset. If reception is poor you may need to hold the phone up to a window.

Is there anyway to eliminate the interference caused by GSM type phones?
Yes. Flightcell have added in RFI and EMI immunity which has reduced interference from GSM and Nextel Phones by 90%, and in some cases completely eliminated it. It is also useful to have you GSM phone away from the Flightcell unit and close to your body as you body will also absorb some of the GSM noise.

I have one of the new Nokia phones with a 2.5mm socket built in but I am told it is a different connection. Is this correct?
Yes. Nokia have in some instances decided to deviate from the industry standard and fit a 4 instead of 3 connector socket to the 32xx, 33xx and 82xx series phones. A different adaptor is available from Flightcell for these phones.

How well will my mobile phone work and to what altitude?
Flightcell will not affect the reception you get from you mobile phone. Reception is dependent on a significant number of variables including weather conditions, altitude, terrain, proximity of the nearest tower and the format of phone you have (GSM, TDMA, CDMA).  

I have a handheld VHF radio – will this work with Flightcell® Pro?
Yes, you can purchase an adaptor from Flightcell that attaches to the RJ45 port.

Can I use Flightcell Pro as an Intercom?
Yes, you can purchase a second heaset lead that plugs into the RJ45 extension port. This allows you to use Flightcell Pro as a dual VOX 2-place intercom.

Can I use 2 different types of headset with Flightcell® Pro at the same time?
Yes, you can attach 2 different headsets to Flightcell Pro. In some cases using Flightcell will improve balance, and Mic Gain can be adjusted for each user. However in some cases where impedance levels and power requirements between the headsets vary greatly the imbalance can be a problem for the users.

What satellite phones can be used with Flightcell® Pro?
Iridium is favoured by Flightcell due to their superior coverage and the 2.5mm socket that provides easy connection to the Flightcell Pro. Any satellite phone that has an earpiece jack can be used with Flightcell Pro. Those that do not have an earpiece jack can be converted but this requires the phone to be sent to Flightcell.

Will music cut out if a cell or satellite phone call is received?
Yes, you can programme Flightcell Pro to 'Auto Mute' music when it connects an incoming mobile phone call, or you can mute manually with the push of a button.

Will music cut out if a radio transmission is received?
Yes, you can either program Flightcell Pro to 'Auto mute' or you can mute manually with the push of a button.

What is the Warranty period on my Flightcell?
The warranty period for  V6 Flightcell Pro products is 2 years. The warranty applies to all parts and labour.