Airplanes and scanners

[N_Jay]

When ever I have used a GPS on a plane (at cruising altitude) it has always been dead on (e.g. 35,000 ft)

 

[adkad]

In another thread on this same issue someone mentioned a type of receiver that can pick up atc communications and is legal, because of the way it works, but I can't remember the product. Can't find it on google either, so if anyone remembers it might help to post it here. Thanks, Adkad

 

[N467RX]

Using the scanner is too difficult, you need to keep the antenna next to the window to work, therefore, you can't use it in a stealth way.

 

[N_Jay]

In another thread on this same issue someone mentioned a type of receiver that can pick up atc communications and is legal, because of the way it works, but I can't remember the product. Can't find it on google either, so if anyone remembers it might help to post it here. Thanks, Adkad

There are receiver designs that do not use a local oscillator and there for do not radiate any signal at all.

Unfortunately, it is not legal, since the rules do not say "received with local oscillators are prohibited", they say "RECEIVERS ARE PROHIBITED".

 

[toydriver_det]

Ramsy sells a radio that they CLAIM is legal to use on a plane but I doubt it really is. I think it is Delta that lets you listen to ATC on one of their music channels.

 

[N_Jay]

Ramsy sells a radio that they CLAIM is legal to use on a plane but I doubt it really is. I think it is Delta that lets you listen to ATC on one of their music channels.

It's United. Typically it's on Channel 9.

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=ABM1

Notice that they are careful not to say "commercial aircraft", nor do they say it is "legal".

All they say is you "can" use it.

 

[gmclam]

Jay is correct.
I listen to "The Flight Deck" on channel 9 when on UNITED flights.

 

[Newark777]

That Ramsey radio would still be not allowed on most flights. Keep in mind that most rules state "AM/FM receivers or radios," and it really makes no difference whether the maker claims no interference. The fact is, the FAA can't test every device like that, so they just do not allow any whatsoever.

As for UA channel 9, it is up to the pilot whether or not he/she wants to enable it, and some passengers are disappointed to learn the pilot hasn't activated it for their flight.

 

[N_Jay]

That Ramsey radio would still be not allowed on most flights. Keep in mind that most rules state "AM/FM receivers or radios," and it really makes no difference whether the maker claims no interference. The fact is, the FAA can't test every device like that, so they just do not allow any whatsoever.

As for UA channel 9, it is up to the pilot whether or not he/she wants to enable it, and some passengers are disappointed to learn the pilot hasn't activated it for their flight.

I have not been on any United flights (about 30 or so) this year where it was not on.

 

[MississippiPI]

What I would loook at is the other passengers on the plane might get a little nervous--even if the airline gives you the okay there is more to be considered--if you use an earpiece to listen that will make people notice as well...Of course the big question is why do you want to anyway; hell--find someone to talk to or something, being antisocial on a plane probably isn't the coolest thing with all that has gone on.


Be safe

 

[Newark777]

I have not been on any United flights (about 30 or so) this year where it was not on.

And the two I've had in the past year had it switched off.

 

[ind224]

listening on the plane

I'd have to agree with most on this one.
1) Listen via the entertainment center if possible.
2) Asking the Captain when boarding may get an OK especially if you are a pilot but again even an OK will not get you very good reception.

As far as the transmitting, an amateur licensee has the right to operate provided the Captain approves it. I personally listened to a scheduled contact on 14.147 USB; the Captain was the operator. An Air Canada Airbus,aeronautical mobile. Being able to use the planes HF radio is a big plus;outside antenna and probably at least 100w PEP.

 

[N_Jay]

I'd have to agree with most on this one.
1) Listen via the entertainment center if possible.
2) Asking the Captain when boarding may get an OK especially if you are a pilot but again even an OK will not get you very good reception.

As far as the transmitting, an amateur licensee has the right to operate provided the Captain approves it. I personally listened to a scheduled contact on 14.147 USB; the Captain was the operator. An Air Canada Airbus,aeronautical mobile. Being able to use the planes HF radio is a big plus;outside antenna and probably at least 100w PEP.

One quick reminder; As long as you are on a US commercial flight, the pilot DOES NOT have the right to allow you IF the air carrier has already disallowed it. (Canadian laws may be different)

 

[Newark777]

One quick reminder; As long as you are on a US commercial flight, the pilot DOES NOT have the right to allow you IF the air carrier has already disallowed it. (Canadian laws may be different)

Beat me to it. People think the Captain has this overriding power, but he must still obey the rules handed down to him. The Captain saying it is ok still doesn't make it ok, it just means you probably won't get in trouble for it.

 

[Turbo68]

Hello,Airlines should allow People taking Scanners on board aircraft because anyone can take a laptop or a mobile phone in which anyone off these devices can cause interference with instruments.

Regards Lino (Melbourne Australia)

 

[gmclam]

Hello,Airlines should allow People taking Scanners on board aircraft because anyone can take a laptop or a mobile phone in which anyone off these devices can cause interference with instruments.

Regards Lino (Melbourne Australia)

Laptops can be questionable already, but they are allowed if wireless is turned off. Scanners and other radios are not permitted because they have oscillators which emit on frequencies that can interfere with aircraft communications and navigation.

I think too many people take for granted how commercial aircraft are flown - often through fog, clouds, at night and during times when pilots have no visual sight of where they are going. Radio signals make "flying on instruments" possible. I'd much rather have NO ONE use electronic devices to help assure I arrive at my destination safely, than have one wayward device screw things up for everyone.

 

[JoeyC]

Whether stray radio waves can interfere with aircraft instruments is always in debate here. My belief is that it is highly doubtful that scanners, cellphones or laptops have any impact on the aircraft systems 99.99% of the time. It is that .01% of the time that the airlines are trying to avoid. If they give in and allow some of the restricted devices, when there is a problem, then the lawyers will have a field day with the .01% (or whatever the actual figure may be) in lawsuits. Its to the airlines advantage just not to entertain the idea in the first place. Of course, you will NEVER see laptops banned, as what would this do to the business traveler, who contributes the biggest chunk of $$$$ to the airlines?

 

[ind224]

RF on the planes

While there is the possibility of some interference, science and common sense should be able to find a balance. I have long said my scanner hobby has never killed anyone but if the possiblity exists it needs to be scrutinized.

This is why the airlines had to come up with a responsible cell phone policy.

If we have interference, it should be proven and steps taken to fix the problem.

If better sheilding is required, make those devices that are not transmitters but just spurious generators pass better FCC tolerances.

Just read about a 72 YO woman in NY getting a NAL due to her TV antenna AMP spewing on 800MHZ. I'm gonna call her on Tuesday to see if this has been rectified and try to help her out if I can.

Stories also of security cameras being 6mhz wide and I know my DSL modem makes lots of trash in the 500khz through 20mhz range. I have to turn it off to HF.

 

[Newark777]

This is why the airlines had to come up with a responsible cell phone policy.

I certainly hope not. Commercial aviation is one of the last places in society where we can get away from the people constantly yelling in their cell phones, and I hope it stays that way.

As others have said, planes are so well shielded these days that the odds of any stray signal interfering with them are slim to none. It's that 'slim,' though, that worries the FAA and causes them to ban radios. They just can't test every device on the market, and even if they did, the threat of broken malfunctioning equipment is always an issue. Safest thing to due is just ban their use outright.

 

[N_Jay]

While there is the possibility of some interference, science and common sense should be able to find a balance. I have long said my scanner hobby has never killed anyone but if the possiblity exists it needs to be scrutinized.

This is why the airlines had to come up with a responsible cell phone policy.

If we have interference, it should be proven and steps taken to fix the problem.

If better sheilding is required, make those devices that are not transmitters but just spurious generators pass better FCC tolerances.
. . . .

The issue is the aviation NAV equipment IS a receiver, and sensitive one.
Stray signals can not be "shielded" out since it HAS to receive to work.