Im not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I have a question, I am going to be flying on Delta and was wondering if it is legal to carry a scanner on the plane. I just want to listen to traffic control. I searched the internet but can't find a straight answer.
Airplanes and scanners
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trainman111
Member
Depends on the airline. I would suggest calling Delta to see what they have to say about it.
Nick
Nick
AZScanner
Member
I've done it on a couple of occasions but it was pretty much a waste of time. The cabin is far too well shielded - all I heard was the pilot talking to control, no response from the ground or anything else.
A better bet would be to see if they pipe the audio thru the entertainment system - then you'll hear it all and that IS really neat to listen to.
-AZ
A better bet would be to see if they pipe the audio thru the entertainment system - then you'll hear it all and that IS really neat to listen to.
-AZ
Airline policies change, so check before taking your scanner. Used to be Delta allowed them, but last time I flew (a few months ago) their regs did not permit radio receivers in the passenger cabin. And that's been the case for several years now. To my knowledge, all other commercial airlines don't permit them, either.
However, United does many times offer "cockpit audio" on aircraft that are equipped with in-flight audio and headphone systems (for movies, music). In fact, they used to list in the inflight magazine that channel 9 on the audio system was communications audio from the flight deck. However, whether it is on or not is the pilot's discretion. When it is on, I listen to it the entire flight. Waay better than the movie or music if you're into aircraft comms.
However, United does many times offer "cockpit audio" on aircraft that are equipped with in-flight audio and headphone systems (for movies, music). In fact, they used to list in the inflight magazine that channel 9 on the audio system was communications audio from the flight deck. However, whether it is on or not is the pilot's discretion. When it is on, I listen to it the entire flight. Waay better than the movie or music if you're into aircraft comms.
N
N_Jay
Guest
Been hashed through about 100 times.
In general, it is perfectly legal to carry the scanner.
It is perfectly legal to pack the scanner.
It is not legal to use the scanner (or any receiver or transmitter) on the plane without permission.
Most (all domestic that I know of) airlines rule out the use of RECEIVERS.
The pilot does NOT have the legal authority to overrule the airline responsible for the flight.
(Did I miss anything?)
Oh, yea, these are FAA rules not TSA rules, and have existed long before 911 and have NOTHING to do with security.
In general, it is perfectly legal to carry the scanner.
It is perfectly legal to pack the scanner.
It is not legal to use the scanner (or any receiver or transmitter) on the plane without permission.
Most (all domestic that I know of) airlines rule out the use of RECEIVERS.
The pilot does NOT have the legal authority to overrule the airline responsible for the flight.
(Did I miss anything?)
Oh, yea, these are FAA rules not TSA rules, and have existed long before 911 and have NOTHING to do with security.
BigLebowski
Member
N_Jay said:
....and failure to comply with anything the flight crew says is also a federal offense...
I took my MT2000 with me on a flight to and from Minneapolis and had no problem but I kept it turned off in my carry-on bag.
elk2370bruce
Member
N Jay indicated that you can't monitor while on the plane. That is a sure way to get tossed from the flight and have an unpleasant series of discussions when back on the ground. As a frequent flyer, both domestically and internationally, I know of no airline that permits such in-flight (from doors closed to doors opened) monitoring. No one here has indicated, implied, or even suggested that you can't bring the scanner with you. Just keep it in your carry-on and you'll never have a problem.
benjaminfs733
Member
I am not trying to start an argument, however... Recently I took my armature radio license. I believe one of the test questions was about transmitting on air planes. I believe the correct answer was only if the pilot said it was OK. How does that jive with the FAA restricting receiving/transmitting on planes? Does it only apply to commercial aircraft? I was using the 2006 pool of questions for Technician. Thanks for the help.
N
N_Jay
Guest
benjaminfs733 said:
The Pilot has to say OK, and for commercial flights the Pilot has to follow any rules set by the Airline. (I think it is called "Certificate Holder")
In other words, "Jives Perfectly"!
N
N_Jay
Guest
elk2370bruce said:
Well, in every other thread on this topic, someone will!
benjaminfs733
Member
N_Jay said:
I see...kind of how sometimes the government will say that something is legal to do if you have a license (ie. smoke pot in some states I think) but then not grant any licenses.
edweirdFL
Member
"If you look in the back of Sky magazine, you'll see a list of approved personal electronic devices, and when they may be used. Cell phones may be used while the cabin door is open and at the gate, but are never allowed to be used while in flight."
I fly Delta all the time, and this is prety much what they say. If you look at the Sky magazine you will see that radios, like your scanner (AM/FM radio), are not to be used on the plane at any time. Here is their website on the subject.
http://delta.com/traveling_checkin/...ctivity/personal_electronic_devices/index.jsp
Leave them in your carry on bag, turned off, like I do. If you want to listen to them in the gate area, use some headphones or a ear piece.
Ed
I fly Delta all the time, and this is prety much what they say. If you look at the Sky magazine you will see that radios, like your scanner (AM/FM radio), are not to be used on the plane at any time. Here is their website on the subject.
http://delta.com/traveling_checkin/...ctivity/personal_electronic_devices/index.jsp
Leave them in your carry on bag, turned off, like I do. If you want to listen to them in the gate area, use some headphones or a ear piece.
Ed
N
N_Jay
Guest
benjaminfs733 said:
No, not exactly.
Its more like saying its up to the entity RESPONSIBLE for the flight.
elk2370bruce
Member
What we're trying to say here, and every other previous thread on this topic (and there have been far too many), is that the bottom line is NO. Our amateur radio testing does NOT specify or include commercial aircraft. The Aircraft Commander (ie. pilot) has to follow not only FAA regulations but the policies of his employer (Airline) and everyone of these airlines have publicly stated No Way Jose -- No Way Hose B. Besides, you won't here squat up there in that aluminum cigar tube. Many of us fly frequently and have learned these facts of life first hand. On the other hand, you can challenge the system to prove these facts for yourself and face the inevitable consequences.
benjaminfs733
Member
Thanks for the info, as I had said in the beginning. I was only curious and not trying to start an argument. The last thing I want on a plane is a scanner. However, did you know that LEO's can take a class from the FED's which would allow them to carry weapons on board when they fly? I would love to take that class.
mikie333
Member
ya, i carried my scanner in my carry-on, actualy in a pelican case (inside my backpack), and they didn't have me open it...to me, a pelican case is quite suspicious (as 'sturdy' / resistant as they are). Once though, i had to so it to them, no complaints. I did use the scanner at the gate though, no issues...(with headphones though, and i kept my whip antenna very low, prevent suspicion)
(i used my phone's browser to find the airport Fq's...
(i used my phone's browser to find the airport Fq's...
Not to change the subject but I use a hand-held GPS reciever all the time and never get complaints.
In fact stewardess noticed me holding reciever near window which is only way it works and as she moved down aisle asked me.."Where are we now?"
Guess she has seen them before.
I told her crossing Indiana State line as we were eastbound...
She smiles again and said "thanks".
Actually a portable GPS is more fun than scanner as have heard Captains over intercom give you the usual BS at what altitude/speed and location and found them sometimes to be off but guess they figure who back there in coach knows.
Mark
In fact stewardess noticed me holding reciever near window which is only way it works and as she moved down aisle asked me.."Where are we now?"
Guess she has seen them before.
I told her crossing Indiana State line as we were eastbound...
She smiles again and said "thanks".
Actually a portable GPS is more fun than scanner as have heard Captains over intercom give you the usual BS at what altitude/speed and location and found them sometimes to be off but guess they figure who back there in coach knows.
Mark
Newark777
Member
Mark said:
Always remember the difference between ground speed and indicated speed, and the difference between flight level and true altitude.
N
N_Jay
Guest
Newark777 said:
GPS gives you ground speed (which is about all I care about as a passenger), and true altitude, which is the same as flight level above 10,000 feet (I think).
The GPS issue is interesting because some airlines specifically mention it is NOT ALLOWED, and others specifically mention it is ALLOWED, and others are silent on the subject (but it should fall under the general "receiver" prohibition.
Newark777
Member
N_Jay said:
The GPS gives ground speed, and no, true altitude is not the same as flight level. Above 18,000 feet, the altimeter is set to 29.92, so that everyone is set the same. Therefore, depending on the true altimeter setting, your true altitude can fluctuate as your flight level remains constant. FL350 is not necessarily saying you are at 35,000 feet.
A good rule to follow is to assume the device is not allowed unless you are informed otherwise. Of course, it is rather easy to use a GPS on a plane even if you are not supposed to.
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