Addicted To ATC

[ChrisW]

I know, like some others on the board, that I am addicted to ATC. While I am working, I usually have it playing in the background ... and when I have the extra time, I track the flights at the same time with FlightAware.Com.

I travel somewhat frequently to different parts of the country and love when I fly. What would make the trip "complete" in my mind is if I could listen to the ATC while on the plane. A few years ago (pre 9/11), I know you could plug your earphones in and listen to it from the controls in your seat (Continental). Unfortunately, they don't do that anymore. What I would like to know is ... is it a bad idea if I brought my own scanner onboard to listen myself?

I know they tell everyone to turn off electronic devices during take off and landing (though I still see people working on laptops, talking on cell phones and listening to their MP3 players) ... but I think it would be neat to listen to your own flight as you go along. Thoughts?

[mhawke]

I don't know about listening to a scanner during takeoff.  I take the road that following the pilot's instructions is not just a good idea, it's the law.



United Airlines still provides you the ability to listen to ATC during the flight.  Gate to Gate if the flight attendant remembers to turn on the system.

[kkjlai]

Aside from legailty issues, the scanner was not really useful on the plane, due to the metal shielding of the plane.   All you hear is an occasional loud burst of the pilot of your plane talking to the ATC, then weak signals from the ATC control (due to shielding).

[yousef980]

Hi chris , hello friends ....

I am also so much addicted to ATC that I might need some kind of therapy !! hahahaha ...

I guess the best idea is the airline to provide the live atc for the flight on one of its entertainment channels ....  I am aware abroad some airlines you can track the flight route . It would be interesting to both listen & track your flight .....

All the best ,

Yousef

[tyketto]

If you get the chance, fly United. If you do, ask the pilot or FO to turn on Ch. 9. That is the channel "From the Cockpit" in their In Flight Entertainment. You'll hear every bit of ATC on their flight from push back on departure, to when they get to the gate and shut down (barring any cabin announcements).

Unfortunately, you can't listen to scanners mid flight in the US. I wish, but no.

BL.

[The Hoffspatcher]

Come fly United! Channel Niner is provided providing your Captain turns it on -- if not, just ask!

[ChrisW]

Is Channel 9 standard for most airlines? I've already booked a few flights this year with Continental and would like to see if they might be nice enough to do the same.

[United B-777]

No, Channel 9 is only existant on United as far as I know. Sometimes, the captain even invites the passengers to join him on Channel 9 when he gives further info on the route, the aircraft, fuel and other things, interested people might like to know. By doing this, they avoid talking over the PA too long and annoying passengers, who don't want to know that.
United is an awesome airline by the way! It would be my big dream to fly for UAL one day! I know, pay isn't what it once was etc. But United is just great! I like their routes. My second choice would be American! Oh well, just dreaming a little. It'll be a while but I think I can make it. Now first finish school and flying lessons - then I can go on...

Sorry for interrupting - but if you have a chance to fly United, do so...

Best wishes
Jakob

[mts]

I believe it is not a good idea. Many people think it is OK to use receivers on board an aircraft, because unlike other devices, e.g. mobile phones, recievers do not emit any signals, and therefore create no interference with on-board systems.

However, almost every receiver of this type (vhf) is using the superheterodyne principle. The carrier frequency is step-down transformed into lower frequencies before being finally detected and transformed into audio output.

The problem is that during this transformation parasite emission are created, that is, you will be inadvertently transmitting while receiving. These parasite signals may be stronger, weaker or virtually non-existent depending on the quality of the receiver.

There is a possibility that these parasite signals interfere with avioncs, though I think  this is very unlikely in contemporary aircaft - digital signals are very resistant to such interference. But ... well ... you never know... If they say you can't use it, you' better not. Airlines wouldn't sacrifice the comfort of the passangers, uless they have a good reason.....

[Glavata]

This is why United have me as a loyal customer. Listening to the ATC while on board is great.