GPS signal on a plane?

[saltshaker]

ok, maybe a dumb question, but i just dont get this. why can't i get a signal on my handheld when im flying? sometimes i do, sometimes nothing, not even 1 sat. the construction of the plane i guess, which of course confuses me why sometimes fine and sometimes no signal?

[Rickk]

I don't have any problem with my Garmin handheld (iQue 3600) right next to a window - only problem I have is the attendants telling me to turn it off "please". The GPS must have a clear view of the sky. There are lists of airlines that allow GPS but I guess the attendants never read the list because I've always been asked to turn it off.

[saltshaker]

hmm, last time i was by the window and it did have a signal for most of the flight. but not on the aisle. maybe thats it. i have noticed too that it can be hard to get a signal in the airport while waiting to board.

[sandiegosteve]

Planes use GPS. Garmin has a whole line for "air".

It is a function of satellite view. I think WAAS is a ground based GPS repeater designed for airplanes.

[davepen]

I use my Nuvi on airplanes all the time.

If you're flying east to west, you'll want a window seat on the left side of the plane; west to east, you want the right side.

GPS signals are relatively weak, it doesn't take much to block or degrade them.

Edited February 20, 2010 by dsp

[greg]

Yeah, I've gotten signals on the plane before as well. It's kind of funny to see your max speed at 400+ mph.

[saltshaker]

Yeah, I've gotten signals on the plane before as well. It's kind of funny to see your max speed at 400+ mph.

haha, yea i like that. something to keep me occupied while i fly is always good...

[Sandy]

Here's the yes/no airline list from 2009. Note that there may be exceptions made by pilots/crews on both sides of the list. http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm

It certainly is interesting to see info on altitude and speed, what you are flying over and what estimated time of arrival could be.

Edited February 27, 2010 by Little Katuna

[Drailey]

ok, maybe a dumb question, but i just dont get this. why can't i get a signal on my handheld when im flying? sometimes i do, sometimes nothing, not even 1 sat. the construction of the plane i guess, which of course confuses me why sometimes fine and sometimes no signal?

What'ya using the old VOR?

[Sandy]

As others have mentioned, are you holding it near a window on the S side of the plane toward most of the satellites? If airliners had csnvas tops reception would better though other comforts might suffer just a bit.