Pete Schaefer wrote:
Cool. Maybe we should do entire airplanes around bluetooth. That way, any
geek with a PDA can hack our planes when we fly by. Yeah, **** all these EMI
worries!

Sorry, but that idea sounds like an awfully inviting drive-by target.

The idea that some sensors sending their signals via bluetooth to a data
recorder instead of cabling could be "hacked", whether from a PDA
standing outside the plane or from 5,000 feet AGL is silly. The EMI
argument is an open one, but the FAA rule says...

"a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may
operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow
the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following
U.S-registered civil aircraft:


(1) Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating
certificate or an operating certificate; or
(2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--

(1) portable voice recorders;
(2) hearing aids;
(3) heart pacemakers;
(4) electric shavers; or
(5) any other portable electronic device that the operator of the
aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation
or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.

It's coming to aircraft. In fact, it's already there via people that
don't turn off their cell phones and laptops etc., just uncontrolled.
Good article.

http://developer.intel.com/technolog...cles/art_4.htm