Answer to in-flight cell calls could come in 2006

Air travelers could be talking on their personal cell phones during flights as early as 2006.

Last month, American Airlines conducted a trial run on a modified aircraft that permitted cell phone calls. The flight required special clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission.

The FAA and the airlines currently ban in-flight cell calls for fear the signals could interfere with navigational equipment.

In a joint venture, American and San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc. will spend the next two years testing the new system.