Originally Posted by
cordelli
Their website doesn't address GPS, it only says
Use of the following equipment is permitted during the flight: Laptop (with CD-ROM/DVD-drive), Walkman, MP3 player, CD player, Mini Disc player, Game Boy and video camcorder. Use of the following is still not permitted: Mobile phones, radio equipment, radio remote control, wireless mouse, Mini Disc
Bluetooth though is not allowed, they specificailly said no bluetooth or wireless printers, keyboards, mice or any other devices on a flight earlier this week.
Check the list again.....It says that Mini Disc Players are permitted during flight. I think that the quote from the website has been cut short.
Reasons for not allowing certain equipment is simple. If it TRANSMITS a signal, however small, then it will be banned.
Mobile phones, as an example, transmit a signal which increases in power until it finds a (ground) station. Flying at 35,000 feet this will almost certainly mean that the mobile phone is transmitting at max output. Now consider (as the FAA authorities have to) if all passengers on a 747 use their phone together, the radio interference can and will cause problems for the aircrafts vital systems.