GPS on planes

[invert29]

Does anyone know if a passenger (in this case me) is allowed to bring on a handheld GPS receiver on-board? I thought it might be a good way to monitor altitude whenever I get that "falling" feeling.

[Passenger Mark]

I have done it.

You need to check with the pilots when you board.

On SWA it is listed in their magazine as "Allowed Electronic Devices"

On Virgin Atlantic they allowed it. (But lost signal over Northeast Canada)

On a Delta flight from LAX to Atlanta they DID NOT allow it.

It is fun. Especially when you zoom in, and watch yourself speeding over the ground!

[spleisher]

OOOHHH fun!!! I want one for Christmas! I have one in the the Archer.. but never considered bringing a handheld one on a commercial flight.

[CaptainStark]

You won't believe this -or maybe....

Once, an attorney sued Delta airlines for "reckless and dangerous" flying practices. His suit accused the pilots of flying from San Diego to Atlanta at 8000 feet, an altitude the attorney felt was "dangerously low."

In court, when asked how he knew the altitude of the aircraft, the lawyer produced an altimeter which he said "never read above 8300 feet."

After about 60 seconds of deliberation, the judge dismissed the suit. The altimeter read the "cabin" altitude, not the true altitude of the aircraft. The judge knew "hog-hooey" when he saw it.

GPS won't have that problem. I am not sure how accurate the GPS altitude function is but it ought to be fun to watch. I think you need a window seat to ensure a good signal.

Ray:ray