On Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 6:38 PM, k7ybz <[email protected]> wrote: > The one fact I do know is they will NOT let you take the gear > in the passenger compartment.
In direct opposition to this, I have never had a problem with taking my gear onboard in my carry-on. I usually carry my laptop, GPS, TH-D7, digital camera, and even an OT2 or 2 in my bag. This is not only on domestic flights within the USA, but also international flights to and from Canada into the USA. You are not allowed to operate transmitters onboard without permission from the captain as per flight regulations. Some of the airlines use the term remote controls, which indeed my ham radio is not. Others use the term transceivers, which does indeed cover the handheld. I have been known to jeopardize the safety of all onboard by having my radio on RX only, as well as having a GPS powered up. Each airline is different. Some airlines will allow you to have a GPS running on board, I had one flight attendant ask me where we were when descending towards Indianapolis, and I was able to let her know how far it was to the airport. Obviously everything is supposed to be shut off for takeoff and landing. Recently I heard about a guy getting in trouble on a flight because another passenger saw him holding something suspicious up against the window. If the flight crew doesn't know what you're up to, the neurotic among us could get a little uptight. I've also run APRS transmitting from an aircraft, but that was from the right hand seat, and the guy in charge was sitting in the left hand seat. When you're playing with the control yoke, you have a little more leeway. Bottom line, you should have no problem taking the gear onboard, be prepared to demonstrate that the gear works. (I have never been asked) James VE6SRV
