[FlightChic]

Runway Girl, on Feb 4 2009, 08:26 PM, said:

Interesting. Would there be any need or interest to upload searchable PDF files of flight manuals from a pilot's own commercial laptop computer (or an EFB for that matter) during flight rather than have to look for the information in a printed manual?

Could not the service also be used by crew members for operational messages such as flight routing information, passenger manifests, onboard inventory requirements, maintenance data or other status reports? Or is this simply in the "nice to have" category?

It could but if it is an extra cost to the company then forget it! Remember, the point of our airline is to get pax from point A to point B safely and hopeful in our case unscathed!

[SS255]

nycbusdriver, on Feb 4 2009, 06:47 PM, said:

Also, broadband connectivity likely would allow internet phone calls a la Skype. Won't THAT make for a lovely cabin atmosphere....some overblown, self-important suit conducting business at 90 decibels from PHL to LAX.

Which is exactly why I am opposed to any form of phone usage inflight. It is bad enough that we have to overheard those conversations on the ground, and in the Clubs.

Nothing drives me crazier than people trying to show off their so-called "importance," amplified 10X in a metal tube.

[nycbusdriver]

Runway Girl, on Feb 4 2009, 09:26 PM, said:

Interesting. Would there be any need or interest to upload searchable PDF files of flight manuals from a pilot's own commercial laptop computer (or an EFB for that matter) during flight rather than have to look for the information in a printed manual?

Could not the service also be used by crew members for operational messages such as flight routing information, passenger manifests, onboard inventory requirements, maintenance data or other status reports? Or is this simply in the "nice to have" category?

None of that is either necessary or already accomplished by other means in place. And, it's a bit easier to look in the printed manuals than to wait 5 minutes for Windows Vista to boot up. Books are nice; e-books, not so much, in general.

I do like the thought of having NEXRAD as NiceLanding suggested. But, I'm not going to pay for it. I've managed flying professionally for 35+ years using onboard radar systems. It may not make for the most efficient flight, but that's the company's decision to give me limited (but sufficient, nonetheless) information when airborne.

[ClueByFour]

YVINTERN, on Feb 4 2009, 08:26 PM, said:

I am wondering because when I nonrevved to Europe all summer and was on an A330 I would find a "free wifi" network halfway across the Atlantic but of course it won't connect...I was thinking it was the IFE but...doubted it.

Let me guess--it said "Free Public Wi-fi?"

What you are seeing is a combination of a bad case of "unintended consequences" on Microsoft's part and someone who happen to leave the wi-fi adapter on their laptop turned on.

See http://www.wlanbook....blic-wifi-ssid/ for the gist, but you were almost certainly seeing an unconfigured laptop whose wi-fi adapter is in ad-hoc mode.

[Freighterguynow]

Runway Girl, on Feb 4 2009, 05:15 PM, said:

US Airways is studying a number of options for its domestic in-flight offering, including providing connectivity to passengers. I'm doing some research and I'm curious - do pilots want or have any use for in-flight Internet? And, for that matter, what do FA's think about it?

It would be absolutely invaluable to have inflight weather updates. Unlike the short haul, domestic flying - a 16 hour, night, over the pole segment (China) with a volcano erupting or a typhoon lurking about can be loads of fun. Especially needed when relying on North Korean ATC for inflight weather updates or being in the 'dead zone' for HF reception off the North coast of Japan.

[nycbusdriver]

NY Times Article

The NY Times has an article on this topic today. You may have to register, but I think it's free.

F/As are wary, and I agree that it can be a security and safety threat.

[jimntx]

F/As at AA have also been apprehensive about the gogo service; however, it seems to be working out ok so far. Since there is a charge for it, not as many ff'ers as one would think use it. At AA we were more concerned about the idea to allow cell phone usage, and we KNEW that would result in us being referees as to whose conversation was more important and who was talking too loud, etc. Slit my wrists, thank you.

ClueByFour, on Feb 4 2009, 06:23 PM, said:

That page says they are not supported. It does not say they are prohibited.

Use of VOIP is prohibited on AA regardless of what the website says. And, I can assure you that if you did your little techie magic and "hacked" the system, the f/as would notice that you were talking to your laptop and getting responses from your laptop. You would be instructed to disconnect immediately. If you chose to ignore the instruction or you decided to hook up later when you thought no one was looking, it might very well result in your leaving the a/c in handcuffs at the next station. At AA we take the use of prohibited technical devices very seriously. Remember 9/11/2001?

[ClueByFour]

jimntx, on Feb 7 2009, 01:54 PM, said:

Use of VOIP is prohibited on AA regardless of what the website says. \

Really? I hope that's published somewhere (FOM, etc).

jimntx, on Feb 7 2009, 01:54 PM, said:

And, I can assure you that if you did your little techie magic and "hacked" the system, the f/as would notice that you were talking to your laptop and getting responses from your laptop. You would be instructed to disconnect immediately. If you chose to ignore the instruction or you decided to hook up later when you thought no one was looking, it might very well result in your leaving the a/c in handcuffs at the next station. At AA we take the use of prohibited technical devices very seriously. Remember 9/11/2001?

I love how various drink-slinging safety professions (and congrats, for that little rant, you just make the list) like to refer to 9/11 to justify everything. "Handcuffs?" Oooh. Get me a freaking drink and stop listening to my conversation.

That's fine. I'd disconnect. The lawsuit is so much better when dealing with F/As with power trips because, well, you don't make a lot and your company and union tend to toss you under the bus more often than not and there exists caselaw about what tries to happen when the crew essentially makes some safety reg up out of thin air. I really hope AA has a prohibition of VoIP calls in the FOM somewhere.

And while you are busy power tripping about making someone successfully disconnect a laptop, they've told you they disconnected, gone to the restroom on their bluetooth (via the laptop) and finished the call. Do you really think an even half-witted terrwrist would fire up the call in plain sight if he thought the ever-vigilant safety professionals (another drink, alice!) at AA would see it happen? (I forgot that the ever vigilant safety professionals at AA can tell what a locked laptop is doing).

Now, what's truly funny about that is I merely pointed out that it could be done, and you launched into a handcuff laden, power tripping, 9/11 invoking tirade. Fine. Do your job and get me a freaking drink.