This is the rule published by American Airlines. Other carriers' rules may differ in details...

Devices with transmitting capabilities may only be used if the transmit capability is turned off and can be verified by a flight attendant (example: combination cell phone/PDA devices or laptop computers with wireless capabilities). During flight, never use cell phones (to make or receive calls), two-way pagers, radios, TV sets, remote controls (example: DVD, CD, game, or toy remote controls), a cordless computer mouse, commercial TV cameras, or Global Positioning Systems. Radio transmission using personal communications devices (example: walkie-talkies, two-way pagers, or wireless headphones) is prohibited, as it may interfere with the aircraft's communications and navigation systems.

http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_U...ip_PersonalDev

I have always wondered if a bunch of people with prohibited devices turned on in their pockets could cause serious problems to the plane. In an advanced form this could become a terrorist weapon.

I agree... but I did not create the rules...

Instead of starting the arqument here, please check this argument instead...
http://mobile.slashdot.org/article.p.../04/18/1915237

It's a movie plot threat. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Maybe they are really paranoid you will spot it when they are lost!

Yeah. As far as I know, your basic GPS is just a receiver.

During takeoff and landing, please stop ALL electronics, that includes.....

That is what I understand. and afterawhile they will make announccement now you can use your electronics or notebook computer. That is the time I took out my BT toys and play. No. My GPS is a toy. I would not attempt to violate ANY rule intentionally for playing with my toy. I am an average joe, so does most travellers and the air steward/ess team. I only remember electronics, notebook computer and cellphone. I doubt the instructions breaks down to which types of electronics. Finally, there is only one icon on your overhead to signal that you are allow to use electronics.

I tried a couple of times, just to see where things stand. My cell, treo w alltel, does NOT work while we are in the air. My GPS failed to pick up signal when we are allowed to do so.

@Geneven: Yes, I saw those pics. I still believe it has something to do with your altitude, once you got to certain altitude, you will NOT pick up anything. Will somebody has wings and has brain step up please?



bun

Pardon my naivete, but shouldn't gps units at high altitude be closer to satelites and thus get. stronger signals?

bun, you forgot one word... they say "you can use your approved electronic devices..." Any device that transmits radio frequencies are not approved electronic devices, and forbidden to use during the entire flight. (In general... some airlines have exceptions such as British Airways as I just learned today...)

Maybe next time when you are on the flight you can ask the flight attendants if you can use your Bluetooth GPS receiver...

More info here, Airlines which OFFICIALLY APPROVE the use of GPS receivers during CRUISE., http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm
and more info here, Is it Safe to use a handheld GPS Receiver on a Commercial Aircraft? http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/gpsrfi.htm

I report, you decide (stole from Fox news )

bun