Carrying portable GPS on airlines

[BobSail]

We're flying to San Francisco Bay to sail with some friends. I'd like to take my portable GPS chartplotter along, but am concerned such an item could potentially be confiscated. There is no mention of GPS units on the TSA web site. Has anyone routinely transported these items on commercial airlines? And as carry-on or checked baggage? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gregg18047]

I do it all the time

A Garmin handheld GPS in my carry-on. Turn it on in-flight too so I can see where we are and when we will arrive. Never a problem.

 

[Rick9619]

Carrying GPS on airlines

BoBsail, as a current pilot for the "only profitable airline" I will tell you.. sure bring it along. Just adhere to the rules below ten thousand feet. All portable devices in off position.CheersRick

 

[Paul Akers]

I carried mine to ...

...the BVI last year. No problem, mon!

 

[Benny]

Never had a problem.

nc

 

[Paul Harmina]

Portable GPS on airline

Bobsail, I work for TSA and we have no problem with you bringing your GPS through security and onto a plane. As Rick said, just observe the airline regulation on when you can have it operational.Pauls/v Lady SaraHunter Legend 37Severna Park, MD

 

[mortyd]

gps on board

just hope the guy in front of you has a parrot; you can't believe the rules and hassles our 'security' people invent to make sure parrots are not terrorist weapons. as if the enemy would be carrying one. our tax money.

 

[Bill Williams]

Mortyd...Whats your problem..?

When was the last time the TSA confincated something from you??

 

[Mac]

Fun to watch

It's amazing to watch the the speed of the plane hit 595 miles cruzing speed! Also, watching the map and flying over each state. Why don't they want them on under 10000 feet? I took mine to Mexico.

 

[Rick9619]

GPS on under 10000 feet

Mac, under 10000 is just a regulation. Someone in the FAA said it may interfere with our instruments up front. That being said, anyone who is an avid fan of Mythbusters might tell you that it is Bovine Scitology (ie BS). But rules are rules, as a pilot I abide by them everyday. And the TSA people do their job. They recently caught someone who forged a LEO form. That stands for Law Enforcement Officer. These people are alowed to board the airplane armed and believe me that is everyone from the security guard at Petsmart to the CIA. They almost got aboard with a sidearm. Im glad the TSA is there for all the good times and the bad. We also think more in miles per minute than miles per hour. 540 SOG or ground speed is 9 miles a minute! Smokin.....CheersRickhumble Southwest Pilot

 

[Alan]

The problem with DA rules

I'm quite sure that no one who steps aboard an aircraft wants to inhibit any operations on-board. If the TSA, FAA or the airlines would give some rational reasons 'why' they have these rules, the flying public would be more than willing to go along. But, to invent some of their DA(dumb ass) rules that have no legit reasoning behind them invites public mistrust and lack of confidence. This inevitably leads to breaking the DA rules. This GPS rule is a prime example.

 

[tcbro]

No problem

Carrying a GPS unit will be no problem. Heck, I've even brought a parachute onboard. It did raise a few eyebrows (including the stewardess's) but I got to where I was going with it. The Captain did remind me that the doors do not open in flight. But that's another story.Toms/v Orion's Child

 

[Paul Akers]

Acc'd'g to Mythbusters...

...the reason there are rules against electronic instruments is because it is blanket coverage. Items change so frequently these days that each one would need to be tested (when was the last time you didn't have to upgrade your phone when you changed it?). Thorough testing would cost about $1M per item (unfeasible, cost-wise) and new items come out every day. So all electronic items fall under the blanket. For safety sake, I can shut off my phone (or GPS, for that matter) for a few hours.

 

[T37 Phil]

Another myth?

I have a friend who insists that any non-stainless metal on board ship, anywhere, will interfere will a magnetic compass. A more substantial problem for a magnetic compass is the magnetic field, however weak, produced by electronic devices. Yet it is not uncommon to see navpods mounted on the pedastal guard, right next to the binnacle. What do you suppose mythbusters would have to say?

 

[BobSail]

Rick, we flew Southwest...

from PDX to the Annapolis boat show and back this past year. Great flights. Thank you all for your input! I'm looking forward to watching the GPS track while in flight. The kids won't believe the ave MPH reading on the trip log. Thanks again!

 

[mortyd]

gps on board

bill williams, they done never confincated nuttin from me, but seeing people using arbitrary power in a useless way, taking time and attention from some genuine bad guys is a real problem. exactly what threat do you consider a parrot might be that it excites people who never had any given power. if tou can give me any reason to request a parrot be relased from a cage and, or be x-rayed- this happens almost every time we travel - i buy a case of whatever you like and apologize anwhere you want. let's hear.

 

[Rick9619]

Another myth, GPS rules

Phil, I think the mythbuster guys would tell you no problem, mount your chartplotter wherever you want. Turn it on, but if your gonna use your compass for navigation, correct it for the deviation the chartplotter causes. In the 737, we have two Inertial Nav Units, and two GPS's. But yes right up there above the dash and all those electronics is an old Whiskey compass just in case. The do a compass swing to correct for deviation power OFF every year. When our "chartplotters" are on it is a useless device.At 17 degrees nose high, it takes about three or four minutes to get above 10000 ft. If these devices WERE to interfere, above that altitude we have time to correct any navigational or flight control issues. I am a firm believer that items on the TSA list dont do anything, but it isnt my choice, its a regulation. Alan I have read so many of your quality posts here for a long time. Im suprised you got your hackles up so hi on this one. Someone steal the surprise out of your cereal this morning And mortyd, the parrot one has me baffled, but I suppose there are some sickos out there who might want to "feed" the parrot something. Then because we dont have DA rules anymore, we could trigger that "food". Pretty far fetched I admit but after all... us americans are so quick to forget and forgive. Unless you fly an awful lot... maybe its not that big a deal. IMHO of course.CheersRick

 

[mortyd]

gps on board

rick, as ex-mil who always had a sidearm on in the airplane, can you explain to me what idiot, whether commercial pilots are armed or not, decided to tell the enemy they are unarmed and should remain so? besides the bad guys know they can never control an airplane again, anyway; no pilot, or group of passengers, will ever again allow it to happen. BUT THE BAD GUYS KNOW THAT.

 

[Rick9619]

gps onboard

Always enjoy a good philosophical discussion with you Mortyd, like how the keel provides "lift" I know the media always tends to sensationalize whenever there is a security breach at the airport. I also believe any wrongdoer is going to face a crew and the passengers which is good. As far as being armed, there is a FFDO program (federal flight deck officer) in place. We go to school and in fact do carry a sidearm. I also believe however that for the most part, airliners are not targets as WMDs much anymore for the reasons you stated. All I can say is I dont know what idiot said it. Do you think our ports are the next reasonable target? Read Paul Garrison's book Fire and Ice. Fictional but... very believable with great sailing to boot. We should all ALWAYS be vigilant. And with that.. I am off to fly. See yaCheersRick

 

[mortyd]

gps on board

rick, there was a sign in kelly afb, DETERRENCE IS INSTILLING IN THE ENEMY THE FEAR TO ATTACK. until then.........