[gps-talkusers] Re: GPS on commercial aircraft

  • From: "Cheng Hock Kua" <adaptive@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:03:16 +0800

Hi Peggy

Receivers are more efficient now as compared to a few years ago.

The Holux can pick up signals once it gets a fix near the window, and will continue to work in my shirt-pocket, or even at the arm-rest.

In smaller aircrafts, the Holux can work even on the isle seat after it gets a gps fix.


In the recent past, passengers were told to "turn off" their Wifi facility on their note-book computers if they want to use the computer on the flight. However, today, you can use your wireless internet on many Boeing 744 flights operated by Singapore airlines! Wonder What has changed? I even used Skype while on flight once before.

Regards
Cheng Hock


----- Original Message ----- From: "Peggy Kern" <kernsac@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 12:24 PM
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS on commercial aircraft


I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to ask on Southwest as well. On one Southwest flight I took, they specifically verbally mentioned not using GPS devices when they were telling us what not to use. I did use a GPS once on Southwest a few years back, and it took so long to get a fix that I really didn't find it worth it to do regularly. But for me, I think I'd want to ask if I can use my GPS.

Peggy
http://kernsac.livejournal.com/
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 6:34 PM
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS on commercial aircraft


Joe,

Southwest Airlines is the only airline I am aware of that explicitly permits GPS according to their in flight magazine. Most other airlines either ban GPS use or don't mention it.

Our recommended policy is to ask the pilot for permission. Don't ask the flight attendant. You do this by writing a print note on the back of a Braille card saying, "may I use my Braille GPS?" Ask the flight attendant to present this to the pilot. I have rarely turned down.

I have noticed recently that some airlines mention Bluetooth as a forbidden technology. I think the GPS is in a bit of a gray area. It is not like a cell phone but it isn't quite a DVD player either although it does not transmit other than the Bluetooth signal which goes up to 30 feet.

As I say, ask the pilot unless you are on Southwest.

Mike

Hello to All,

I know that folks on this list have used GPS while flying on commercial
aircraft. I'm wondering if there are any firm rules about this, or is it
open to interpertation among the various carriers?

Joe Lazzaro
www.JoeLazzaro.com









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