GPS during the flight?
 

I just got my Windows Mobile smartphone with GPS-bluetooth module.
I wonder if there are softwares out there allowing me to track my flight using GPS?

btw, are GPS modules allowed to be used on the plane?

Depends on the airline....

See http://gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm for airlines that allow/disallow GPS usage inflight.

A normal map that covers your route should be fine. You'll need a window seat to pick up any satelites.

Don't ask, don't tell... Anywhere but in a window seat it will not work.

Sounds fun! I have a cheap handheld Lowrance GPSr that allows me to put in destination coordinates, then it will give info like time to destination. Some other features that would be fun to watch, speed, altitude, path plot, distance from home, ... This would be nice for the domestic flights where they generally do not display this information on the monitors. You could also plug in other coords to help identify objects on a clear sunny day that you know you'll be passing over, like certain Mtns, lakes, rivers, etc... Plus if you see something wierd from the plane and don't know what it is, you could record the coords and do some internet research later to find out what it was (use Google Earth).

Does anyone has any recommendations for GPS receivers that seem to handle getting reception on an airplane better than others? Recommendations of units to avoid are also welcome.

I'm not looking for any particular features other than an ability to get data out, and preferably a Garmin or Magellan unit that is compatible with Google Earth.

I've never had a problem using my four year old Magellan SportTrak Pro on aircraft. It picks up signals just fine, as long as you hold it next to the window.

I've used my Garmin a few times on flights. I have the software at home so I can upload the trip and see exactly where I was. Each time I've used it though I asked the FA if I could. The only time it was more than "yes" the FA just wanted to ask about how it worked.

As to which one will work better. They all work about the same. The only difference are the bells and whistles that they have. A $99 GPS works as well as a $900 one. As long as you can stick it in between the window and the shade you should be able to get enough signals to get a lock.

Ah, to gps or not during flight.

the funny thing is, many airlines do not allow this. I am sure they are all quoting some FAA regulation, but that may or may NOT be correct.

As for GPS, it is indeed going to emit some RF, or EMF at a minimum, but I cannot imagine that a GPS which is inherently a one way signal and device that it could impact navigation. I mean the Bluetooth ones that I have of course emit RF and the signal over the bluetooth protocol, but I cannot imagine the plane is setup to receive this.

My thinking over the years, and this is years since 2001, is that they want to restrict it in order to keep people in the dark as to their EXACT position over the earth. Armed with the LON/LAT, and airspeed one could put the plane in an exact enough location as to allow someone on the ground to locate the aircraft with very high accuracy.

And THAT might be BAD!