Sport Pilot Talk

designrs · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 144

The popularity and versatility of the iPad, iPhone and other 3G devices raises many concerns about such devices in flight, but also options. I have heard of pilots that switch off or "airplane mode" their devices while in flight because they say they can hear them interfering on the radio. Others do not switch off their devices in the air which must be operating on 3G to some extent, automatically checking email, on network for incoming calls, etc. even though the devices are not actively being used. So does it really matter? Could the devices actually be used harmlessly in flight?

There's the official FAA position. Turn everything off unless it is certified.
The legal liability position. Not reliable, chance of causing problems... blah, blah, blah.
The network provider position... abusing the network by accessing too many access points from aloft.

Meanwhile there are probably dozens of commercial airline passengers on every flight who don't shut off (or know how to airplane mode) their cell phone, wi-fi, 3G device.

Meanwhile LSA pilots have these devices which may be able to be used in flight as emergency backup GPS, planning resources, alternate weather, etc.

Obviously with the 3G & wi-fi turned off, preloaded data is OK.

Turn on the 3G in flight and what's the reality?
Resource or hazard?

comperini · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 152 Location: California

designrs wrote:
Turn on the 3G in flight and what's the reality?
Resource or hazard?

PITA I suspect. Most wireless carriers tend to broadcast their signals horizontally from the ground, which is where their customer base is. I can't imagine you would even be able to get coverage at altitude (certainly not reliably). Use pre-loaded data, so you don't have to worry about it.

theoarno · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Texas

I believe that In europe the use of wireless devices is permitted in aircraft.

theoarno · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Texas

I believe that In europe the use of wireless devices is permitted in aircraft.

roger lee · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 5:50 pm Post subject: 3G

The IPad and other type 3G devices work fine in our aircraft. Cellphones, too. The better headsets have wireless in them for music or cellphones.

dstclair · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 212 Location: Allen, TX

No issues with my iPad in the cockpit. The 3G service can be spotty but that's more of a coverage issue. I wouldn't RELY on getting enroute weather, though. XM would be a much more reliable choice. 3G and wifi can really drain the battery when on cross-countries since the iPad is always searching for service.

I did have my Blackberry interfere with my Dynon when I'd put my phone on top of the panel (I have 'valet' storage area). When the GSM antenna cranked up the power to send out what I term it's mating call, my DG would be off 10-20 degrees. Solved this by always putting the Blackberry in a map pocket.

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 159 Location: KOJC

Speaking of cell phones in flight, I have heard interference in the G1000 equipped 172's I've flown from certain cell phones. Primarily, GSM phones (AT&T) are heard, as most of my passengers use them, and I only hear interference with AT&T using passengers. Myself, I use Verizon (CDMA) and have never had any sort of interference.

But that said, any device is likely going to kill the battery when you get above about 4-5K feet AGL. There isn't any signal and many newer devices will enter a higher powered search mode to try to find a signal, until the battery dies.