GPS use by passengers - still banned?

[Noxegon]

This morning on an EI transatlantic I was asked to turn off my sat-nav because it is "not permitted by the american authorities". I complied with the request - crew member instruction and all that. However, the EI magazine specifically says GPS is okay - and there was no problem on a (non-EI) internal flight taken a few days earlier within the USA.

Can anyone clarify what the current US position is on this? I recall that GPS was not permitted for a while, but I thought that was a temporary measure? Was my crew member enforcing an old policy?

(The only reason I'd flicked it on was that the one on the IFE had had us stuck over Toronto for over two hours; I was curious how much further we had to go).

[neroliie]

I'd be interested to know the answer to this one too.

[Noxegon]

An interesting thread, ASFKAP - thanks - though it's almost two years old at this point, predating some of the more recent TSA decrees, so it doesn't really answer the question I'm afraid. Can anyone else - if you'll forgive the pun - illuminate? :)

[PaperTiger]

There's a link in that Flyertalk thread which is still pertinent I think: Airlines which APPROVE/DISPROVE GPS use in Flight (http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm)

Much as the TSA would like to control everything the use of GPS is not within their purview, it's up to the airline/captain. As for what the FA told you - usual ignorant hostie BS :hmm: .

[Groundloop]

usual ignorant hostie BS

Usual arrogant insulting spotter post!

[simonchowder]

Take no notice groundloop, some of these obsessive saddos really do think the rules dont apply to them, it doesnt matter whether its instructions from CC, police, security whoever, i think the problem is many of them exist in a little bubble with no conception of how the industry operates, they have a very childlike desire to get their own way whatever the consequences, only last week there was chaos at a main airport when one of these fruitcakes illegally entered into a restricted area to get a photo and was nearly killed by a prop

[Noxegon]

Thanks PaperTiger, that's helpful.

To be specific, I was told by the FA that GPS was not allowed *only* on flights to/from North America due to government restrictions, which based on what I'm hearing here is incorrect.

Sounds to me like this was an honest mistake on behalf of the crew member. To clarify this situation ahead of my next flight I'm going to send a letter to EI; after all, the in flight magazine says that GPS is allowed across the board. If the FA is wrong I'd like for him to be made aware of that so the next passenger doesn't get officially grumbled at for no good reason.

[ZOOKER]

Why do you feel the need to take a GPS device on an airliner?
Do you not trust the navigational abilities of the flight-crew?
Do you feel a similar desire to take a GPS on a bus or a train?

[Malcom]

Why do you feel the need to take a GPS device on an airliner?
Do you not trust the navigational abilities of the flight-crew?
Do you feel a similar desire to take a GPS on a bus or a train?

Just showing an interest I expect.:hmm:

[One Outsider]

I was curious how much further we had to go

For that purpose I always carry a small lightweight portable device, for which there are no restrictions on usage during any phase of flight. You will be able to find a wide variety of manufacturers and models. They are available in any price range from the very cheap to the very expensive.

A widely used generic term for this device is wristwatch.

[Avman]

Zooker, was that a joke? Some people like to know where they are that's all. Nothing wrong in that is there? If the weather's clear and you're looking out the window you may see something of interest and want to identify it.

I don't travel with GPS but I often look out and try and identify cities/airports etc. When I'm overflying areas or countries that are familiar to me I don't have any problem. At other times I think I would find a GPS quite useful and good fun.

[PaperTiger]

Take no notice groundloop, some of these obsessive saddos really do think the rules dont apply to themWhich rules would that be then Simon ? EI allows GPS, neither the FAA nor the TSA prohibits them in the US. Show me something to the contrary and I'll retract.

Mistake, ignorance. Makes no difference, both are wrong and invoking the false God of Security is no excuse.

[Noxegon]

Why do you feel the need to take a GPS device on an airliner?
Do you not trust the navigational abilities of the flight-crew?
Do you feel a similar desire to take a GPS on a bus or a train?


I like to know things like how fast we're going, our current time arrival estimate, etc. Normally I just leave the live tracker open on the IFE. Unfortunately as I mentioned it was not working for my flight. (And yes, I've used one on both buses and trains too).

Which rules would that be then Simon ? EI allows GPS, neither the FAA nor the TSA prohibits them in the US. Show me something to the contrary and I'll retract.

Exactly PaperTiger. I'll update the thread if EI reply to my letter.

[Groundloop]

usual ignorant hostie BS

Mistake, ignorance. Makes no difference, both are wrong and invoking the false God of Security is no excuse.

Even so, there was no reason for you to be so insulting about it!! You could be grown-up about it and make your comment in more reasonable terms. But I suppose your comment is indicative of the type of society we live in today.

[PaperTiger]

Even so, there was no reason for you to be so insulting about it!! You could be grown-up about it and make your comment in more reasonable terms. But I suppose your comment is indicative of the type of society we live in today.Perhaps you're right. I am sick and tired of cabin crew (and others) making up faux security rules on the spot to get you to do what they want. Characterising that as 'ignorance' is actually being reasonably charitable; on many occasions the motiviation is something worse. And yes, citing a non-existent prohibition is BS pure and simple; sorry if the term offends you.

What is more indicative of the society we live in is posters who come to a specialised forum for the sole purpose of disparaging others. Resorting to name calling whilst doing so is hardly 'grown up' now, is it ?