Using TT on a plane - experiences . . . ?

[TBird1]

Okay - Had my N95 a week now and have managed to get a copy of TomTom Navigator 6 up and running on an external GPS - absolutely fantastic. Thing is, we're off to Spain in July and while I'm looking forward to using the GPS out there I'm really curious how it'll function during the 2.5 hour flight from Belfast.

Having two young kids to entertain I could imagine it being a bit of fun to watch our track across France & Spain as we fly into Alicante . . . will TomTom be able to keep up with a ground speed of 4-500mph ?

I'd be very interested to hear from any of you that have tried the GPS onbard an aircraft and if there is any other software that you might recommend; for example I know that TomTom does not provide altitude information.

Hope to hear from someone soon

[mikealder]

Welcome to the forum, your TomTom program will work on board an aircraft but GPS reception is not too easy.
Firstly the airlines ask for all electronic equipment to be switched off for take off, so only when you are moving at high speed can you switch on the unit.
This makes finding your position very difficult compounded by small windows in the aircraft for the signal to come through - it is possible but please ask before switching the devices on. Some airlines are fine about this technology, others are little more backwards in their adaptation of modern technology.
A quick word about altitude, GPS isn't too good at picking up accurate height information, put the unit in a metal cylinder (aircraft) with small holes (windows) then reception will be poor, so the height information is even less accurate than normal - Mike

[Darren]

I've used GPS in flight with good results but if you ask permission it will be refused. In the past I was willing to take the risk, nowadays with the heightened security etc you'd be very unwise to try and use one without permission.

It doesn't take much imagination to consider the implications if a passenger saw you holding a small black box near to the window and the end result could be full board accommodation with the local constabulary!
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Darren Griffin

[TBird1]

Thanks for the feedback guy's. I'll be flying Easyjet, so I guess the chance of them making an exception just for a bit of fun will be very very slim - not exactly in their rule book I'd guess - thanks for the tips of caution.

Unless . . . . Anybody out their flown Easyjet and been allowed to play with (a) Their mobile for games/music/vids or (b) the GPS & Bluetooth functionaility ?

Greatt forum by-the-way - it's good to take part rather than passive viewing !!

[Darren]

Sorry, bad news, Easyjet explicitly forbid the use of GPS at any stage of the flight
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Darren Griffin

[MaFt]

[Darren]

Nah, it's cos they'll rent you one for £10 a go with free pot noodle. Mind, if the pilot wants it back you have to give it up
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Darren Griffin

[mikealder]

That sounds more like "Yorkshire Airlines" to me MaFt

[TBird1]

MMMmmm . . . EasyGPS - has a certain ring to it, wonder if I could copyright that name

[JockTamsonsBairn]

[F70100]

I have used it on a plane. Biggest problem (as previously mentioned) is signal reception. I was able to put it on top of the instrument panel in the cockpit. The windows slope backwards and therefore have some degree of a vertical view but the signal is greatly weakened by the heating elements in the window.

So, poor signal, but once locked on the system does work. Confirmed what the aircraft instruments were telling me !

[eillo7]

This may satisfy your curiosity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da_5QWTL-4c

Now you won't have to risk being arrested.

[TBird1]

And here's another - so cool !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owFApCuJgu0

[Skippy]

I've done it loads of times. My record speed is 686 MPH. 8)

Some airlines don't allow GPS to be used on board. A list of dos and dont's is here:

http://www.gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm

Here's how to do it:

Make sure you have a good lock before going into the airport. Stand outside for 5 minutes or check your satellite display to make sure most or all of the satellites are locked on. This will make it easier to reaquire a fix later on.

Hold the unit right against the window and wait. It may take a few minutes to get a lock, especially at high speed.

Some of the older or outdoor oriented Garmin units are best because you can set them to "off road" mode and it gives you a compass, cross track error, height, rate of ascent/descent etc. It also records a tracklog so you can download it to your PC and see where you flew and at what height.

Some airlines may not allow GPS use on planes others are fine with it. I'm normally discrete about using it and don't let the crew see it. When they do notice it they are normally indifferent, though once I was asked to switch it off.

You are not supposed to use it during takeoff and landing though I have recorded entire flights many times.
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Gone fishing!

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