Nope. Faraday cages and how they work became relevant for a few projects I was involved in (both for and against) in the past. Similar issues although different application.

The 787 though is different. Was interested in the tech for the shades when they announced it way back when. It has been around for a while, just never saw it applied on an airplane before. While it's a cool technology, not a big fan of how it's applied in this case. It's a compromise for a couple of scenarios. But it also introduces behaviours that aren't great either. But that's true of all technology and features.

3 satellites will give you a 2D fix if you can supply the third coordinate--in the early days they sometimes did this to make marine units cheaper. A ship is always close enough to sea level that you can assume the elevation to be the height of the antenna.

And seeing all the satellites requires you have a GPS that can use all the networks.

How do you get the streaming map data though, unless you were getting a fast data connection through plane Wifi or you got good mobile signal, meaning you turned on the cellular radio?


I used to use GPS receivers with bluetooth connections with my DSLR to geotag so it would take a long time for these receiver to find satellites but eventually they would and I was able to geotag some photos taken on the train. I could also see the elevation changes as the plane took off or landed.

But I just mostly held it up (it's tiny) against the window. Some planes like some 747 configuration has a flat surface near the window, like for the little storage compartments below the windows on the upper deck. But I wouldn't leave it there long because turbulence could cause it to slide around and away from me.

A lot of the times, I kept it in a jacket pocket nearest the window and that was enough to get signals, which is perfect because the receiver has blinking LEDs which would draw attention.

Cell phones have GPS chipsets. Being near the window, the cell phone should pickup GPS signals. I map a remote property without cell or WiFi using a backcountry app.

So an app. which preloads the maps so that you don't need a data connection?

I think I once tried using a Garmin on a plane too. Can't recall what happened but probably worked okay.

Won't work on a B787.

I have ridden 787 a few times but I prefer the routes and the layouts of the 777 more, at least on UA.

iPhones since I believe the 4S have not needed a data or wifi connection for the GPS to work. A connection is needed for the online versions of Google maps. I have used offline maps without a cell connection on both Android and iOS devices. The Android backcountry map app is one reason I keep my old Samsung which has no cell service.

There's another option: Flightaware.com. Let the plane's ultra-expensive GPS+transponder do the heavy lifting.
[MENTION=692075]TGarza[/MENTION]: I can confirm that iPhones and iPads with cell modems DO NOT need internet or even an active SIM card for the GPS to work. Many (most?) airlines and many private pilots use iPads as electronic flight bags. Ideally, the iPad connects to the plane's ADS-B receiver via WiFi to get the GPS data, BUT if that fails the software will use the iPad's built-in GPS receiver.

My hard core Garmin never had any problems connection from the test table.

What do you mean by that?

I have legacy Garmin GPSMAP 276c and 476c and current 276cx. They have never had a problem finding at least a dozen satellites just sitting on the tray table by the window.

Even on a B787?

I don't recall whether I've had them on a 787. I'm generally not a fan of that aircraft since I like the shades open during the day and my main carriers don't use them on the routes I fly most often.

Me neither. I'm not a fan of the B787. I much prefer the A350.