EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Electronic Device
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Human Factors
Radio static interference was experienced during cruise phase of flight due to a probable cause of a Portable Electronic Device (PED) not set in airplane mode. The forward flight attendant was instructed to check the cabin and verify if any first class passenger was using a PED that may have been the cause of radio static interference. The forward flight attendant refused and failed to comply with flight deck instructions.A PED was not set in airplane mode and the contributing factors are the forward flight attendant may have had her PED not set to airplane mode or a first class passenger may have been using a PED not set to airplane mode. It is unknown; yet highly suspected that this was the probable cause a radio static interference. Ensuring the compliance of flight attendants following policy and procedures regarding the use of PEDs while on duty.
EMB-175 First Officer reported radio static interference which was suspected to be from Flight Attendant or passenger electronic device use.