Virgin and QF to allow gate to gate use of handheld devices from tomorrow

[serfty]

But you would not have been in flight mode - rather you would have been in lounge mode!

Certainly not flight mode - my netbook has no such - then again there's no SIM slot in the netbook either ...

... as for lounge mode, it was VA Lounge breakfast time (avoided a toasted sanger ...)

And feeling the effects of a faraday cage

Not really any Faraday effects - although what little remaining hair I have may well stand on end after using headphones ...

 

[RooFlyer]

Just noticed this on the QF web site:

Radio transmission using personal communication devices (including walkie-talkies, two-way pagers, or global positioning systems) is prohibited at all stages of flight, as it may interfere with the aircraft's communication and navigation systems.

Does a hand held GPS unit involve "radio transmission" ? I thought it was all passive? (assuming no 'fancy' wireless capability ...)

 

[opusman]

It would be strange if GPS receivers were banned on QF since on VA they are specifically allowed.

 

[mannej]

It would be strange if GPS receivers were banned on QF since on VA they are specifically allowed.

Why strange? May be a cause of different requirements for different navigation systems etc.

Here is a comment from another thread that may bear some relevance to the topic.

It's worth noting that even though QF/Virgin are now allowing passengers to use their 'devices' at all stages of flight, they must still be turned totally off if low vis operations, or an automatic landing are being performed. The margins in those ops are so tiny that no 'interference' can be tolerated...so don't be surprised if you now hear a new PA telling people to turn them off for these operations.