Man charged for allegedly using phone in plane

By MARJORIE FINKEOA man has been charged with breaking aviation law by using his mobile phone on board a PNG Air aircraft bound for Port Moresby from Alotau in May.
Police alleged that on May 24, Francis Mon, 29, of Alotau, used his phone in the aircraft after passengers had been told to switch off all mobile devices for safety reasons.
Mon’s case was called at the Committal Court in Waigani last Thursday but he did not appear.
The case would be called again on Thursday, said police prosecutor Sandra Holland.
Police alleged that on May 24, at around 5.30pm, Mon boarded PNG Air flight CA 1643 from Gurney Airport in Alotau to Port Moresby.
It was alleged that while on board, cabin crew Judith Tokiala instructed all passengers to switch off their mobile phones or to flight mode.
The court was told that while Tokiala was conducting the safety demonstration, the passenger was talking on his phone.
He was told several times to switch off his phone or put on the flight mode,but refused and told the cabin crew to wait.
Upon arrival in Port Moresby, Mon was apprehended by National Airports Corporation security officers.
He was found out to have been under influence of alcohol when he boarded the flight from Alotau.
Mon regretted not following instructions of the female flight attendant, court was told.
He was arrested by police on May 30 and charged with not complying with aviation rules and policies.