Originally Posted by
Heathrow Tower
angatol
Transmissions from aircraft/vehicles are meant for other aircraft/vehicles and ATC units, and transmissions from ATC are meant for other aircraft/vehicles.
I'm afraid the provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy Act do not extend to passengers on board such aircraft.
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enf...ement/guidance
It is an offence if a person "otherwise than under the authority of a designated person:
…. uses wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient."
The person using the apparatus (the pilot) is the intended recipient and not only that, if it's put on the aircraft IFE, the passengers aren't using wireless telegraphy apparatus either. I fail to see why this would be illegal but am willing to be enlightened.
Is it illegal for the cabin crew to enter the cockpit and hear ATC transmissions too?