Question regarding Garmin GDL50 on commercial aircraft
I have tried searching all forums on this site, and I have tried multiple search engines. I can't find anything, so I will post my question here.
On two recent flights on two different aircraft (same airline), I saw "GDL50N*****" as an open device in my iPhone's bluetooth settings. I have omitted the N number because I don't know if this is going to be a big deal or not.
For those that don't know, the GDL50 is a Garmin portable ADS-B receiver. It does not have "out" functionality. It only has the ability to receive. According to the FAA, ADS-B is "Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B) is an advanced surveillance technology that combines an aircraft’s positioning source, aircraft avionics, and a ground infrastructure to create an accurate surveillance interface between aircraft and ATC. ADS–B is a performance–based surveillance technology that is more precise than radar and consists of two different services: ADS–B Out and ADS–B In." To be clear, the GDL50 is only a receiver. It does not have "out" functionality.
That being said, is it normal to have an ADS-B receiver on a commercial aircraft with an open Bluetooth connection?
I will stop there and wait for answers before I provide any more information. Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide accurate information.