Can i use my scanner on a domestic flight?

sam.lk7 · Post by **sam.lk7** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:57 pm

I am interested in taking my scanner on-board a domestic flight with Qantas soon and am keen to know first of all if i could get it through security and secondly would the airline allow me to "listen in" with headphones on. cheers

Ludacris · Post by **Ludacris** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:47 pm

Would it actually work on an aeroplane... I take it your planning on listening to the pilot.

Post by **gkoutlis** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:33 am

sam.lk7 wrote:I am interested in taking my scanner on-board a domestic flight with Qantas soon and am keen to know first of all if i could get it through security and secondly would the airline allow me to "listen in" with headphones on. cheers

I'm afraid that's not possible. - New Aviation Security guidelines actually prohibit anyone to take a "listening device" onboard any aircraft. Reasons behind it should be logical... I'll track down the guidelines on why you cant have these listening devices and will place the link here.

But security wouldn't let you get through without intensive interogation. Safest bet mate, is to put the scanner in the suitcase, and use it when you get to your destination.

Cheers
George

Post by **celestial_insight** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:51 am

interesting... I regularly take my Icom scanner on board when I travel domestically and have never been quizzed... As recent as 2 weeks ago..

Post by **gkoutlis** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:52 am

celestial_insight wrote:interesting... I regularly take my Icom scanner on board when I travel domestically and have never been quizzed... As recent as 2 weeks ago..

hmm - interesting - will look into it for you.

sam.lk7 · Post by **sam.lk7** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 6:54 pm

celestial_insight wrote:interesting... I regularly take my Icom scanner on board when I travel domestically and have never been quizzed... As recent as 2 weeks ago..

SWEET! Hopefully i will be able to bring it onboard. Did you carry it in your pocket or in a bag?

truckie · Post by **truckie** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:06 am

I put it through the x-ray machine quite openly and carried it in my hand. Nothing hidden or clandestine. Mythbusters even did the experiment with a mobile phone (and various other transmitters) in a cockpit and it didn't seem to affect anything, so an RX only unit will hardly bother any instruments, especially if, like me, you sit way back in cattle class with the rest of the plebs..

Post by **Zebedee** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:20 am

Qantas have this page which doesn't directly mention scanners, but does mention personal electronic devices in general.

Post by **gkoutlis** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:22 am

Gotcha - It states it clearly from that Link

Electronic Equipment
All electronic devices, including PDAs, laptop computers, handheld games and toys must be switched off during take-off and landing.

Portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers (including WiFi and Bluetooth enabled devices), PDAs (without mobile phones), personal music (for example, iPods) and electronic game devices may be used when the aircraft seat belt sign is extinguished after take-off and until the top of descent.

Radio transmission using personal communication devices (including walkie-talkies, two-way pagers, or global positioning systems) is prohibited at all stages of flight, as it may interfere with the aircraft's communication and navigation systems.

Post by **vk6hgr** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:39 am

gkoutlis wrote: Radio transmission using personal communication devices (including walkie-talkies, two-way pagers, or global positioning systems) is prohibited at all stages of flight

Although they have obvious concerns about transmitters on board during flight - GPS units never transmit. Neither do scanners...

Jared · Post by **Jared** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:40 am

Id just make sure you have a friend that can take it back for you. Cause if your not allowed to take it on board if you dont have a place to put it (as in back in your car) or a friend to take it back then security takes it... and they dont give things back

Post by **Zebedee** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:52 pm

vk6hgr wrote:Although they have obvious concerns about transmitters on board during flight - GPS units never transmit. Neither do scanners...

That bit had me scratching my head as well

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:45 pm

Actually BOTH transmit via local oscillators. Any thing with a heterodyne type receiver does. This is why it is illegal to operate. Part of the EMC/EMI regulations is to reduce the amount of stray RF emitted from electronic devices of all types. Any thing with an oscillator is capable of emmissions. These include the clocking oscillators in computers, mobile phones and scanners which produce multiple spurious signals from the local oscillator and mixers in the I.F. strip. This does not mean avionics will be affected only that it could be.
I personally would not be prepared to break this law as I feel my and the other passengers life is worth more than listening to a scanner.
ps I know computers are now allowed after take off on some flights.

Post by **vk6hgr** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:46 pm

Nick wrote:Actually BOTH transmit via local oscillators. Any thing with a heterodyne type receiver does.

Ahhh. Makes sense.

The RF output from the LO is tiny though but I suppose they don't want to take the risk.

spartacus · Post by **spartacus** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:50 pm

I have over 6000 flight hours
I have NEVER come across any evidence that suggests that radios effect the aircraft navigation on commercial (jet) aircraft.
The FAA are know reaserching ways with Boeing and Airbus to allow Mobile Phones to be used while in flight. Most probably, if Mobiles are allowed so will scanners

WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Can i use my scanner on a domestic flight?

Can i use my scanner on a domestic flight?

Re: Can i use my scanner on a domestic flight?