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GPS on a plane
- Thread starter dgdosen
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That's it! I've had it with this *%$!@ GPS on this *%$!@ plane!
I'd imagine that it would work, but you'd be moving fairly quickly...
I'd imagine that it would work, but you'd be moving fairly quickly...
I've had it on in a plane although it was only light aircraft at about 2000ft. The GPS worked as normal although the dot was moving a lot faster!
The height I was at it was able to pick up 3G and at points GPRS and EDGE however if you were higher you would need in flight wifi, although I tried the GPS out of signal and it seemed to come up with a dot but no map 
The height I was at it was able to pick up 3G and at points GPRS and EDGE however if you were higher you would need in flight wifi, although I tried the GPS out of signal and it seemed to come up with a dot but no map
probably can't load the data fast enough to keep up with the speed you are travelling at!
Don't know about the iPhone but I tried a Garmin one time at 35,000 feet and never got a signal. Basically, it didn't work.
I've never had any GPS unit work for me in a plane and not for a lack of trying. Or most other vehicles such as a train. I'm guessing the reason is the metal body, wiring, insulation, frame, bulkheads, etc. Even if you sit by a window, the signals would be so weak or so few that it wouldn't work. Probably the best you can do is to book a flight on an airline that shows you where you are on a map on the little TV screen in front of each seat. I know United and BA have that on international flights.
Exactly. The metal body suppresses the already weak GPS signals, and the little antenna in the unit can't pick it up. I have a Lowrance AirMap 600c, which is made for aviation use, and it still needs the external antenna stuck to the window to have any hope of picking up enough satellites, even in a single-engine plane.
I don't see any reason why a GPS unit can't work at those speeds, unless the programmer didn't allow for a large enough number for the speed! Supersonic fighter planes use GPS, as does the Space Shuttle, and even the Space Station!
Cheers!
Also like to add that using GPS on a plane is fine (someone said about getting strange looks) because it doesn't transmit (well AGPS sorta does but if you have airplane mode on it doesn't) so its fine to use on a plane.
Only issue, as people have said, is the fact that your in a large aluminium tube which doesn't work too well with GPS signals. It would work through the window but you need to be able to see at least 4 satellites to get a fix and the windows are only small on planes!
Only issue, as people have said, is the fact that your in a large aluminium tube which doesn't work too well with GPS signals. It would work through the window but you need to be able to see at least 4 satellites to get a fix and the windows are only small on planes!
It doesn't work.
1. The airplane's roof will probably break the signal.
2. You won't have map data because you'll have no signal.
3. It can't locate you without cell service. Turn on airplane mode and open Google Maps. Try locating yourself. It doesn't work. It can't find the satellites on its own, it needs assistance from the cell towers.
4. It's against the rules and you will be kicked off the plane mid-flight!
1. The airplane's roof will probably break the signal.
2. You won't have map data because you'll have no signal.
3. It can't locate you without cell service. Turn on airplane mode and open Google Maps. Try locating yourself. It doesn't work. It can't find the satellites on its own, it needs assistance from the cell towers.
4. It's against the rules and you will be kicked off the plane mid-flight!
I use occasionly use my Garmin Nuvi while airborne ( I am a professional pilot) just to see what it will do.
Mainly I use it for a more accurate parking position for the INSs. where the Lat-Longs aren't posted. The main problem with getting a workable signal is the penetration through the laminar glass. Most passenger windows are 2-3 pains thick with an addition interior plastic pain. I can usually get a signal in the back with very little problem. Now in the cockpit is a different story. The glass is thicker and the windshield heat causes the loss of all signal.
Mainly I use it for a more accurate parking position for the INSs. where the Lat-Longs aren't posted. The main problem with getting a workable signal is the penetration through the laminar glass. Most passenger windows are 2-3 pains thick with an addition interior plastic pain. I can usually get a signal in the back with very little problem. Now in the cockpit is a different story. The glass is thicker and the windshield heat causes the loss of all signal.
NO GPS AND CELLPHONE DEVICE ON THE PLANE!
I am calling FAA and Home Land Security on your ass...
Sorry- you would be wrong there....
FAA and HS do NOT decide if you can use a cel phone or not- that is up to the individual carriers. In fact, FAA has told carriers they can if they so choose. Some are testing now, but none have chosen to.
Why you would think HS would have something to do with this is a mystery...
