Re: Handheld GPS on Commercial Flights?

On 23 Nov 2006 18:31:36 -0800, "Ramon F Herrera" <goposter@xxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:


Hugh Janus wrote:
I always do. If I am sitting by a window I often turn it on. You can
usually pick up enough satellites to get a fix. Most airlines don't
object to this but apparently a few do. You can get more information
at:

So you are one of those idiots that think the rules don't apply to them
then? When they say "only authorised electronic devices can be used"
or "please switch off all electronic devices" this also applies to
*you*. Why are some people incapable of getting that simple point?
Time after time I see people switching devices on when they are on the
plane without consulting the cabin staff first.

Why on earth would someone want to use a GPS on a plane? To track the
path to the toilets? Tell me, how do you plan on using any route that
you track from the device? eh? Are you going to buy your own plane
and then follow the same route the following week?

You win an A+ for your idiot level. If I ever have the opportunity of
sitting next to you on a plane, i'll take your GPS device and smash it
over your f*cking head.


The question is no why would one use a GPS in an airplane, but why not?

GPS are *passive* devices which receive electromagnetic signals and
transmit nothing, so there is no possibility of interfering with the
airplane devices. I am sure they are or should be in the list of
approved devices.
Not quite. GPS receivers are super-hetrodyne, so they have local
oscillators, that are mini transmitters. not high power, but not zero
power either. However I don't think there are any systems on the
aircraft that are sensitive to the likely local oscillator frequency
of most GPS chip sets. FM receivers on the other hand are pretty
troublesome. The IF frequency of most FM receivers is 10.7Mhz,
so it overlaps a fair bit of the bottom of the VHF Airband when
turning the upper part of the FM band. I.E. tune to 107Mhz, local
oscillator runs at 117.7 Mhz.

The comment about the airplane restrooms is very stupid.

GPS are used for two reasons:
(1) To determine where you are
(2) To decide where to go next

The reason number (1) is still valid, even for those of us who are not
airplane navigators.

Ages ago, I used to be a little nervous when I boarded an airplane and
as a tranquilizing entertainment I carried a compass and a map, which
at least removed the feeling of not being in control of anything at
all. A few times, the flight attendants mocked me: "Are we going in the
right direction? Do you want me to notify the pilot?"

-Ramon

.

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