Emucom

Does the FCC still have bans on operating handheld walkman type radios and tv's on flights? I just purchased a casio 2" color tv and was just curios.

Emucom

Oops, I meant FAA...

rkkwan

You can use portable electronics at over 10,000 ft. The FA will announce when you can and when you can't.

rjw_lgb_ca

The FAA has left the question of using radio receivers and TVs to the airlines, recommending that they test each device for potential interference. Most airlines I have used still prohibit them, so they must exhibit some interference.

Better to leave the TV off during flight. Besides, I doubt you'll get good reception flying well above the transmission towers.

rjw_lgb_ca

rkkwan is right too. Other non-signal transmitting devices (laptops, personal tape/CD players or MP3 devices, portable DVD players) are allowed once the plane is beyond 10,000 feet altitude. Remote controls of any kind are prohibited.

rkkwan

Oh, sorry. You mean a handheld TV. rjw is correct, and you won't get a signal enroute.

bill_boy

FYI, some airlines have Direct TV transmission during flight. Lot's of channels and options. Some will charge a flat fee (Frontier Air, for example charges $5), others are free.

If you can bring a laptop, why not just store your favorite music or podcast, bring some DVD movies and listen or watch away to your heart's content.

Emucom

Just wondering, I have not done this but wondering if you had an fm radio walkman with you, would you get reception in the air. Is it technically possible? I know it is illegal, so I will not try it. But my technical mind wants to know.

rkkwan

Yes, I've tried listening to FM broadcast, before the invention of the iPod. And yes, you can get okay signals, but you need to search for new stations every 15-20 minutes.

Emucom

I wonder how am reception is...with all the 50,000 watt clear channel stations there are.