Using a GPS on an Airplane

[Chattyaholic]

Does anyone know if you can use a personal GPS (global positioning system) on an airplane now?

DH used his a few years ago on a trip to Florida, but after 911 they would no longer allow it.

He's wondering if they've relaxed the rules now and if he'll be able to use it on our trip to Florida next week.

 

[Pop Daddy]

I dont think you could have one nor are you aloud to have sword fights

 

[jfulcer]

Ok, don't kill the messenger -- but I'm sorry, if I were an airline pilot, or a stewardess, I would be weirded out by someone wanting to use a GPS onboard a plane. I understand the cool factor, but you also have to consider the comfort level of the people that are flying you to Florida.

I would pack it in your suitcase (or firmly away in a carry on), and print your DH a map out with the flight marked so that he can follow with that.

 

[bicker]

I was told to turn mine off.

 

[Towncrier]

I have tried to use mine on a couple of flights only to find that I could not get a good enough signal for the device to work. It is one of those GPS devices that connects to the USB port on my notebook computer. The one that comes with Microsoft Streets & Trips. I did manage to briefly get a signal on a flight from Cleveland to Montreal, but the readings indicated that we were descending at an alarming rate and were not to be trusted.

I don't know if a GPS receiver is on the list of forbidden devices, but I do know that felt a bit self concious about using it, especially since the puck glows blue when it is plugged in.

I just wanted to know where we were flying and how fast. Since the GPS works with the Microsoft Streets & Trips software, it would show a car passing over the map at an outrageous speed. Nothing nefarious. Just curiosity.

 

[bicker]

When the GPS is restricted, it is a matter of pilot's discretion. The pilot has final say about things like that on his/her aircraft.