Kind of on topic

Fizzle · 05-06-2005, 10:57 AM

Does anyone know a good GPS Software package to use while on a plane? I would like it to be able to display the heading, altitude, speed and ETA to destination? In addition to driving, I fly alot and this would make my trips a little more "fun"

Scouse Monkey · 05-06-2005, 11:05 AM

id be amazed if you can get a decent signal sitting in a large aluminium can with wings! Aircraft GPS recievers are placed on the outside.

DarquePervert · 05-06-2005, 11:17 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fizzle

Does anyone know a good GPS Software package to use while on a plane? I would like it to be able to display the heading, altitude, speed and ETA to destination? In addition to driving, I fly alot and this would make my trips a little more "fun"

They won't let you use a GPS on a commercial airliner.
I don't know about private or chartered aircraft, though. You'd have to investigate this yourself.

Realistically, it seems pretty silly, since the plane itself is receiving GPS signals as well.

elmo · 05-06-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

They won't let you use a GPS on a commercial airliner.
I don't know about private or chartered aircraft, though. You'd have to investigate this yourself.

Realistically, it seems pretty silly, since the plane itself is receiving GPS signals as well.

ive also heard that... but i also heard it was because only air traffic control should be able to locate any given flight. If a terrorist boarded a commercial flight with the intent of allowing a terrorist fighter (unlikely i know) to intercept it using co-ordinates sent by a onboard passenger.... i may not have written it well but i know what i mean... shut up!

Enforcer · 05-06-2005, 11:28 AM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/general-mp3car-discussion/44064-airputer.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/21511-building-planeputer.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...7&page=1&pp=15

Scouse Monkey · 05-06-2005, 11:36 AM

Could be as you could choose when to hijack or give coordinates/altitude to potential attackers.

Also if they have to secretly divert you would see on your GPS.

xLusi0n · 05-06-2005, 12:29 PM

Anyone with a SAM that could hit an airplane at that kind of altitude (assuming commerical flight) doesn't need a GPS reference (especially one that gives you a surface GRIDCOORD (most GPS recievers don't work above a certain altitude) to hit the plane.

Scouse Monkey · 05-06-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by xLusi0n

Anyone with a SAM that could hit an airplane at that kind of altitude (assuming commerical flight) doesn't need a GPS reference (especially one that gives you a surface GRIDCOORD (most GPS recievers don't work above a certain altitude) to hit the plane.

well obviously. did i mention SAMs? YOu could be intercepting a plane with a kimikazi attack using a small plane with no radar. GPS would help syncronise the impact by getting the attacking plane in position. (oh ****, now the FBI will be after me)

zavex · 05-06-2005, 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

They won't let you use a GPS on a commercial airliner.
I don't know about private or chartered aircraft, though. You'd have to investigate this yourself.

Realistically, it seems pretty silly, since the plane itself is receiving GPS signals as well.

My understanding was that it was dependent on which airline you are flying, at least that is what is indicated here ( http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm ).
I have used gps on several flights and get great reception as long os the reciver is in the window.

Fizzle:
As far as what program to use, i use Delorme's Topo USA product for this, think it will provide all the info that was mentioned.

Bugbyte · 05-06-2005, 03:49 PM

I don't see why a commercial automotive mapping program like iGuidance or for that matter, Streets and Trips wouldn't work just fine.

If there is an official "ban" on GPS on flights, they're going to have trouble enforcing it. Cell phones are coming with it built in these days and lots of people don't shut the power off when they are on the plane.

I can't imagine there's an actual danger of the GPS receiver interfering with the airplane.

DarquePervert · 05-06-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bugbyte

I don't see why a commercial automotive mapping program like iGuidance or for that matter, Streets and Trips wouldn't work just fine.

If there is an official "ban" on GPS on flights, they're going to have trouble enforcing it. Cell phones are coming with it built in these days and lots of people don't shut the power off when they are on the plane.

I can't imagine there's an actual danger of the GPS receiver interfering with the airplane.

I agree that there's little danger, if any at all.
Hell, it's been proven that digital cellphones (GGG or GPRS) phones have no effect on the insturmentation of a plane. They still don't allow their use on a commercial flight, though.

Fizzle · 05-07-2005, 01:29 AM

There isn't a ban on GPS, I've used it before on a plane, the flight attendant told me to put it away, and I said I would like to speak with the captain. They got the captain and the captain and I talked about GPS for awhile (He had his own personal unit too).. he then looked at the flight attendant and told her to stop bothering me

0l33l · 05-07-2005, 01:55 AM

We had a few members build planeputers. One of them got banned

Scouse Monkey · 05-07-2005, 07:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fizzle

There isn't a ban on GPS, I've used it before on a plane, the flight attendant told me to put it away, and I said I would like to speak with the captain. They got the captain and the captain and I talked about GPS for awhile (He had his own personal unit too).. he then looked at the flight attendant and told her to stop bothering me

Flight attendant = ow3nd!

It's always best to check with things like that. The Captain has ultimate say and is normally a lot more sensible than flight attendants and they are usually gadget buffs too.

DodgeCummins · 05-11-2005, 08:36 AM

The FAA through the acft manufacturer and owner certify the use of electronic devices. The devices must be proven to be interference free...in other words, they cannot in any way influence the acft electronics...even if plugged into the acft power.

Most normal portable electronics has been proven to be interference free.

At that point it is up to the FAA and airline to list the items for use on acft while airborne.

For cellphones there were two problems, one was the acft certification, the second was the FCC that needed to ensure that a high altitude phone (which can now reach many cells) wasn't going to screw up the cell system...remember, the first cell phones were only analog and used a high power transmitter.

As for GPS it seems to depend on the airline...since the big airliners already have a screen you can watch the speed, altitude, and location...and some web sites also give you the location...some of the arguments here are a bit off.

Yes you can receive GPS satellites in an acft...but you need to be near a window, and you probably won't get as many signals as you would outside the acft, but you can get your location anyway.

Up in front with the big windows...especially the upper windows, you can get many satellites.