Sacramento trip: Southwest Airline

[jwc810]

I was lucky to sat by the window, good reception with cf que antenna:

[jwc810]

picture 2:

[Bokkie]

What ppc are you using?

[amw157]

Very interesting ... iQue users should notice that the map actually shows through the boxes at the top which show heading and speed.

Sure wish Betty did that.

[jwc810]

Originally posted by Bokkie
What ppc are you using?

Bokkie,
you know i've using A716 for a while now...:D
I still have my 3600 but haven't use it for a long time.

[Bokkie]

Originally posted by jwc810
Bokkie,
you know i've using A716 for a while now...:D
I still have my 3600 but haven't use it for a long time.

Sorry, buddy! I should have remembered from a few months back when there was a lively debate on the pros and cons of the ppc for gps. I'm waiting for the ipaq hx4700 to launch in a couple of weeks or so in the UK. I have the cfQue, waiting now for the ppc.

I'm not sure what happens to the iQue after that. I'll probably leave it in the car.

[kami707]

Cool picture.

Any concerns about the gps affecting the navigation or other systems of the airplane?

[jwc810]

Originally posted by kami707
Cool picture.

Any concerns about the gps affecting the navigation or other systems of the airplane?

I don't think so, GPS is only a receiver not a transmitter so I don't think it'll affect anything in the plane since the GPS signal is always there.

[Bokkie]

Originally posted by jwc810
I don't think so, GPS is only a receiver not a transmitter so I don't think it'll affect anything in the plane since the GPS signal is always there.

Have you used yours in a car though. We don't have the luxury of an external antenna but can you comment on how effective it is? Dashmount or vent?

[apollo 8]

quote:Originally posted by kami707

But every Airline has different views. Yesterday I returned from Phoenix aboard American and they will not let you use any GPS device passive or not. Did you ask before using it on Southwest?

[dtlee]

Nice post. I had my IQue on our trip to Phoenix last summer and still haven't cleared my Max Speed from that trip (561 mph).

I also used it on Southwest. Their in-flight magazine lists a GPS as an allowed device during the cruising portion of the flight. I also found this reference on their web site:

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/electronics.html

[amw157]

Maybe I'm gonna boil in oil for this, but my philosophy is "better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission."

I didn't know or care whether USAir permitted GPS devices on its flights. I shoved the Gilsson between the window and the shade, quietly routed the cable into the seat pocket in front of me where my iQue sat, and was able to track the whole flight. Most of the cable was hidden by my arm, resting on the cable on the armrest. The flight attendants walked by many times and had no idea.

When someone reports actual airline flight disruption from a GPS device carried by a passenger, maybe I'll think twice.

[dtlee]

Even if the device is allowed, it doesn't mean that the crew agrees with or understands the rules.

As an aside, US Air does officially permit the use of handheld GPSes.

http://tinyurl.com/493l7

[apollo 8]

I work for the FAA and my only concern is that if the airline does not state whether GPS devices can be used or not in their literature and a nervous or observant passenger or flight attendant notices wires hidden and routed suspiciously could cause a needless terrorist alert and divertion of the aircraft and emergency landing leading to possible charges and not to mention 130 or plus irate fellow passengers. I sympathize in that you and I know it is harmless and a cool tool to use during flight but in this day and age with the way things are it is better to ask then risk the alternatives.

[jwc810]

Originally posted by Bokkie
Have you used yours in a car though. We don't have the luxury of an external antenna but can you comment on how effective it is? Dashmount or vent?

Yes, i use Gomadic Lighter Mount: http://www.gomadic.com/pam5limopopd.html

works great, i wounldn't buy a PDA with GPS if external antenna is required, but cf que won't be my only choise since i have a pocket pc, i can try a blutooth GPS, other CF GPS, or maybe in the future something better come out that can match the external antenna, i have the choice.

[rulez]

I also work for the FAA. Hiding electronics and wires on aircraft is most definately not a good idea! Best case, the crew asks you wat you are doing. Worst case, the passengers beat you to within an inch of your life! On a side note, don't argue with a flight attendant, that will get you arrested when you land!

[Emission]

I've used GPS units (Garmin GPS III+, Garmin eMap, and iQue) on airplanes for years. I never ask permission, but I don't try to hide what I am doing (don't need to get jumped by other passengers).

Most of the time, the passengers in the seat next to me are amazed by the technology and we end up talking about it in length.

My issue: I wish all airlines and their crews realized GPS is a RECEIVER and is harmless to aircraft systems. Some lame airlines still don't allow them.

[Q-Eye]

Originally posted by Emission

My issue: I wish all airlines and their crews realized GPS is a RECEIVER and is harmless to aircraft systems. Some lame airlines still don't allow them.
Just because a device is a receiver and not a transmitter per se, it does not mean that the device does not emit radio frequency interference. While I agree that our GPS units are most likely perfectly safe, it's not because they are receivers. FM radios and TV sets are receivers too, but even the airlines that allow GPS will NOT allow THEM to be used on board.

There is a lengthy thread (http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47631) in this forum already about this topic with LOTS of techical data on RFI and potential for avionics interferrence.