You're allowed to use your mobile phone on a lot of RyanAir flights now.... I don't think anyone has tested my mobile phone....

Anyone that is interested, GPSed is completely free and works well and on a number of platforms. However the live tracking might be an issue but you can download your tracks later whilst using your device in flight mode.

Map your tracks and photos, share your position from your mobile | free Mobile GPS Tracking Service

I have had the pleasure(!) of finding out from the FAA exactly what "determination" means, and the explanation from them was as I described.

Granted, the rules are specifically for IFR at the moment, but with the increasing invasion of cockpits by new technologies, both the FAA and EASA are reviewing aspects of the PED regulations and a clearer certification required is expected in 2nd quarter 2010.

The point is that authorities recognize that there is potential safety issues, but have yet to take definitive steps to require manufactures to adhere to the DO160 (and other) standards.

Whilst the use of non-approved engine parts will have most operators and pilots agreeing on the safety risks, the potential risks of high-powered transmitting devices are not generally understood by the aviation public.

Basically:

1. there are standards which ensure that avionic equipment (including portable devices) don't compromise aircraft safety
2. some tracking systems have met these standards and some haven't (and probably couldn't)
3. there are real risks associated with using non-approved equipment in an aircraft (even a non-sophisticated one)
4. there will always be cowboys who try to bend or circumvent the regulations

Make an informed decision.

BTW, some of Ryanair's fleet has been upgraded with a mobile phone relay. It is a DO-160 approved piece of equipment that acts as a mobile phone receiver, and then relays the transmission to ground stations via satellite communication. The satellite comms are the reason for the additional pricing of €0.50 for text messages and between €2.00 and €3.00 per minute to make and receive calls. Your mobile phone operates on a lower transmission wattage due to the close proximity of the receiver, reducing the possibility of interference. Mobile phones are still prohibited from use in aircraft not equipped with a mobile phone relays.

Gravytrain - who do you work for??

GravyTrain
Best you tell these guys that it's prohibited since thay are sponsoring a programme encouraging New Zealand aircraft owners to install Spidertracks.
Media Releases - Investing in the safety of NZ pilots


I understand that Spidertracks have a deal with Cessna to market the Spidertracks system. Kiwi safety device bought by Cessna > New Zealand Perhaps you better get on to Cessna and let them know there is a problem.

The relay maybe approved, but is my mobile phone?

Interesting one this...one that I've wondered about...I use two mobile phones. One of them does not have a roaming agreement with the company RyanAir uses, so instead of talking to the relay station, it continues 'searching' for a network for which it does have a roaming partner. I wonder how this is different than previous? Does it in some way still talk to the relay onboard instead of boosting it's own power to find a suitable network?

So could you give us a pointer to the legislation where this is set forth? In absence of that, any other public document with or without force of law which explains the enforcing agency's interpretation?

So for the avoidance of doubt, is it correct to say that nothing you have provided so far substantiates the claim that "untested transmitting devices such as Spot, Spidertracks, mobile phones, etc are prohibited from use in any aircraft"?

I'm not saying you are wrong, especially since I am not familiar at all with FAA regs, but given what you have posted so far, I think you may be a bit overzealous in your interpretation. Good for you, but please leave the snarky remarks out.

Lastly, in regards to your comment "similar legislation can be found under each local authority worldwide (JAR-OPS 1.110 for Europe)", allow me to quote the amended JAR-OPS 1.110 (word-for-word identical to EU-OPS 1.110):

Disregarding the fact that OPS 1 applies to CAT and if I'm not mistaken we are talking about private flights here, can you please explain where the requirement for DO-160 (or any other) certification emanates from? (You said: "Any piece of equipment that has not been tested to RTCA DO-160 standards is considered unapproved for aviation use")

Thanks & rgs
/LH2

A little clarity may be appropriate...
 

New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations include AC43.14 Appendix 9 "Non Aeronautical Equipment" which can be found at Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

This AC allows for the installation of not only portable but also some permanently installed equipment such as satellite tracking devices without an STC or a 337.

It is incorrect to say that Spidertracks (or, indeed, any other tracking provider) are prohibited from doing what they are doing in New Zealand, in fact the New Zealand aviation community as a whole is well educated on the use of tracking, the tracking vs 406 debate, and the relative merits and shortcomings of these complimentary systems.

Airways Corporation (the NZ government entity responsible for airspace management) is a strong advocate of satellite tracking for the GA community as evidenced by their sponsorship arrangement with both TracPlus Global and Spidertracks (both New Zealand tracking providers).

CAA has adopted a more considered and appropriately cautious approach, waiting for the technology to mature and standards to emerge before making any decision. In light of the recent Transport Canada debate, that approach would seem judicious.