Using an handheld GPS in an aircraft (737)

[susser]

I am flying to Dublin to see the Eagles in concert tomorrow, FWIW.

I don't usually fly, but being geeky, I want to know where, how fast, how high etc.

So; Anyone done it ?

That's used a handheld GPS in an aircraft.

[Barry Ashcroft]

The gps receiver will not see the satelites through the plane!!

Might work if you hold it out the window

[adhawkins]

I've used mine (Garmin Quest). In a window seat it works Ok.

Andy

[ChrisG]

I used my Holux GPSlim with my phone (in offline mode) on a flight and that worked for some of the flight, although you need a window seat. Also I suspect that if your GPS isnt Sirf 3 or equivalent chipset, it will struggle to pick up a strong enough signal, mine is SIRF3 and works fine in the boot / glovebox of the car, whereas older chipsets need a clear line of site to the sky so if yours can't do that then you'll probably not have any luck on the plane.

[DickieB]

Remember to turn it off for take off and landing. No, really.

[Blatman]

Surely you just flip to the "Skymap" on the telly. That'll give you height, speed over the ground and outside air temp with current position laid over a map... unless you're in an old plane that doesn't have seat back telly's...

[barney]

Remember to turn it off for take off and landing. No, really.

please, please , remember this...(not a joke)

ta

[Mark Stanton]

why's that then                      

[Westfieldman]

I've used mine (Garmin Quest). In a window seat it works Ok.

Andy

 

Onboard use of unauthorized electronics can b******* the planes onboard electronics up, especially at take off and more importantly as the plane approaches the homing beacon for landing therefore putting your life and others at risk

[pistonbroke]

Gps will work fine near a window seat , the higher the plane flies = closer to the satellites = stronger signal

Interference with the aircraft instruments ? dont see how that could be , a GPS unit does not transmit any form of RFI , in fact the aircraft uses the same technology to navigate    

[Peter M]

Take a read does not specifically mention GPS but may fall in personal electronoic equipment.

Civil Aviation Authority

[adhawkins]

Onboard use of unauthorized electronics can b******* the planes onboard electronics up, especially at take off and more importantly as the plane approaches the homing beacon for landing therefore putting your life and others at risk

I didn't use it during takeoff and landing. I'm not stupid...

Andy

[neilwillis]

I didn't use it during takeoff and landing. I'm not stupid...

But you do leave yourself wide open - it's just toooo tempting lol

[adhawkins]

Andy

[pistonbroke]

doubt if a mob phone would be much use at 20,000 ft but that wouldnt stop the nerds from trying to use em .

makes life simple for the sake of legislation to ban all electronic devices .

what about me pacemaker an me earin aid