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We fly commercially, but also are *private pilots*.
So the question becomes, *why can I operate a GPS in my private plane* today,
and NOT have problems, while operating the same unit in a commercial carrier, *might* cause a problem ???
The Government -- We are not happy, until you are unhappy !!!
*Operating/using* a GPS, on a *commercial* flight, is nothing more than
*I like to know where I am and what is that down there ?*
So in answer to the last part of the question, yes it will work, but even better if you hold the unit near the window !
On the other hand, If I had doubts that the pilot in command,
might have problems getting to the intended destination,
I would not fly with them ...
Chava, is right in his statement that it is *illegal* on many USA based airlines ?
What is the TRACK RECORD of GPS receivers in so far as EMI is concerned? Garmin and Magellan tell us that there has never been a REPORT of any problem caused to any avionics system as a result of the use of a GPS on an aircraft. No pilot or engineer on the GPS newsgroup has ever reported a GPS receiver causing interference to an avionics system on an aircraft. About 80% of the airlines in our survey permit the use of handheld GPS receivers by passengers. I believe it is safe to say, "If EMI from a handheld GPS were a problem *somebody* would have noticed it by now". My conclusion therefore is that the use of a low power GPS receiver on an aircraft is substantially less likely than a laptop computer to generate significant amounts of EMI and since laptop computers are judged "safe" then GPS receivers are "safer".
This is good enough for me to use one if and when the commercial operator allows me to do so.
BTW, my laptop, does have the capability to function as a GPS, with only a small adapter connected to it.
I am sure that most run of the mill flight attendants would have no idea that I was operating a GPS ...
On a commercial flight, a private pilot is simply a passenger and not exercising his/her rights to pilot the plane. Therefore s/he doesn't have the same rights as the pilots actually piloting the plane when it comes to the use of the GPS.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Or you can do your flying in Japan, where they use 'belly mounted cameras' in sync with monitors and a graphic to both give you a thrill at take-off and landing, as well as know your positions and headings (overlaying a map) while in flight. About 85% of the nationals are GLUED to that screen during the whole flight.
I always try to 'navigate' while flying commercially, a GPS may cause me to sleep more (but sometimes you would like to know if the pilot is heading correctly, or has slept thru the destination)
Part 91 GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
Subpart A--General
Sec. 91.21
Portable electronic devices.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following U.S.-registered civil aircraft:
(1) Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate; or
(2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers; or
(5) Any other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.
(c) In the case of an aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used. In the case of other
aircraft, the determination may be made by the pilot in command or other operator of the aircraft.
"Operators" in this case being the airline. They are just following federal regs, and that is that.
Or you can do your flying in Japan, where they use 'belly mounted cameras' in sync with monitors and a graphic to both give you a thrill at take-off and landing, as well as know your positions and headings (overlaying a map) while in flight. About 85% of the nationals are GLUED to that screen during the whole flight.
I always try to 'navigate' while flying commercially, a GPS may cause me to sleep more (but sometimes you would like to know if the pilot is heading correctly, or has slept thru the destination)
Those aren't limited to asian flights. We flew from San Francisco to Zurich last year about this time on Swiss Air. They too had the belly mounted camera as well as a GPS like device on which you that you could track the flight progress. As a "geographile", it kept me entertained for hours! They also had terrific food and wine, I might add, that was included in the regular fare.
have used my Garmin Nuvi260 on Delta in the past, usually after confirming with the FA. After holding the unit up to the window to get locked into the satelite signal, it operates just fine while sitting on my armrest or table the remainder of the flight.
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