Sony Reader on an airplane

[kacir]

Originally Posted by nathantw

Just wondering if any of you have flown with your readers (dumb question)?

Yes, on numerous occasions.

Originally Posted by nathantw

If you have, since the unit really doesn't use much power were you required to turn it off during takeoff and landing?

I had to switch it off.
You CAN NOT read during the takeof or landing.
Not that the reading an e-book is forbiden, but there is not enough light for me to read from my Sony Reader
The lights in cabin are off.

[gwynevans]

Originally Posted by nathantw

Just wondering if any of you have flown with your readers (dumb question)? If you have, since the unit really doesn't use much power were you required to turn it off during takeoff and landing?

Not specifically a Sony Reader reply, but wasn't there was a post in the 'For Sale' forum suggesting that there were Illiad readers specifically bundled for pilots, along with some form of aeronautical software?

[stustaff]

Originally Posted by kacir

Yes, on numerous occasions.

I had to switch it off.
You CAN NOT read during the takeof or landing.
Not that the reading an e-book is forbiden, but there is not enough light for me to read from my Sony Reader
The lights in cabin are off.

The cabin lights are off but you are allowed your personal reading light on! press the little lightbulb button on your armrest.

[Arek_W]

as this issue was already discussed on this forum, early in the days of prs-500, and after having my reader for almost half a year, flying weekly biz trips within EU I have to admit that on most occasions:
on Lufthansa flights, LOT, BA, SAS flight attendents see the reader & typically ask what is it (veeery curious) and than dont bother asking me to switch it off during take off/landing. I try not to abuse the system, but have to admit sometime if the book is good, or taxing takes too long read all along.
on KLM, Austrian, AirFrance, complete no go. They want to kill you if you abuse (in AF it actually sound nice when the lady asks you to shut it down)
Cheap airlines, RyanAir, Easy Jet, complete lack of interest. Flight attendents do one run around and that's it.
So that is on my side

[nathantw]

Originally Posted by chuck94022

Actually, I am a highly experienced pilot, with Instrument and High Performance ratings, in addition to ratings in sailplanes, helicopters, ultralights and even hang gliders. I think I know very well what I am talking about.

Ah, I am humbled. Well, if it's all good then, I'll just leave my electronics on during take off and landing. ;-)

[chuck94022]

Originally Posted by nathantw

Ah, I am humbled. Well, if it's all good then, I'll just leave my electronics on during take off and landing. ;-)

Well, that is of course your choice. I'm confident you won't bring down the plane, but I'm not so confident that you'll leave the plane without a citation for disobeying a flight attendant!

[ahintz]

I recently took my Reader with me on a trip to Europe (British Airways). I've also used it regularly on business trips here in the States flying both Southwest and Virgin America. In all cases, the flight attendants had no issue whatsoever with me continuing to read during takeoff and landing. In fact, on the BA flight, I was seated directly in front of one of the attendants. I've also had a couple of cases on the domestic flights where I am either asked about the Reader, or I'll overhear a flight attendant say to another attendant, "Oh, that is one of those new ebooks..."

I'll be taking it with me on my trip to Germany for the holidays. The Reader is one of the best ways to pass the time on these long flights!

[Greg G]

I mostly fly Continental and they always make me turn off the reader. "If it has an off switch it must be switched off". Sigh...

-Greg

[Zevs]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

I've found that when the cabin staff are making their rounds checking for devices, they typically looking for glowing screens, so if you hold the reader with the cover not fully turned back they just assume its a diary of some kind.

I have to admit I'm doing the same, half closing it when the attendants pass by and then go on reading :=) I'm not feeling very guilty about this, since if one should follow these rules to switch off anything electric/electronic during takeoffs and landings, we would all have to switch off our watches and for those that have that, also their pace makers! One has to use some common sense I think on these things, if the attendants asks or questions, one can try to explain what the Reader really is.

Zevs

[nathantw]

Originally Posted by ahintz

I've also had a couple of cases on the domestic flights where I am either asked about the Reader, or I'll overhear a flight attendant say to another attendant, "Oh, that is one of those new ebooks..."

Lets hope that they don't get wise and say "is that an Amazon reader? Please make sure you turn off the wireless part" even though you're holding a Sony.

[HeffeD]

Originally Posted by Zevs

I have to admit I'm doing the same, half closing it when the attendants pass by and then go on reading :=) I'm not feeling very guilty about this, since if one should follow these rules to switch off anything electric/electronic during takeoffs and landings, we would all have to switch off our watches and for those that have that, also their pace makers! One has to use some common sense I think on these things, if the attendants asks or questions, one can try to explain what the Reader really is.

Yes, and the common sense is to do what the flight crew tells you...

Common sense should tell you that they aren't talking about watches and pacemakers. They simply want you to turn off anything that you had to turn on to use. That's not so difficult is it?

[RWood]

Originally Posted by gwynevans

Not specifically a Sony Reader reply, but wasn't there was a post in the 'For Sale' forum suggesting that there were Illiad readers specifically bundled for pilots, along with some form of aeronautical software?

Yes, its the iFlyBook.

United seems to have no problems with the Reader on the IAD-LGA route or the IAD-LAX route.

[Zevs]

Originally Posted by HeffeD

Yes, and the common sense is to do what the flight crew tells you...

Common sense should tell you that they aren't talking about watches and pacemakers. They simply want you to turn off anything that you had to turn on to use. That's not so difficult is it?

...hmmmm so why would things that you need to be turned on be more dangerous than things than watches and pacemakers.... You do have to turn them on also at least once you know... It is not difficult to turn the Reader off, ... but does it make any sense ..??

Zevs

[drogo]

Originally Posted by Zevs

...hmmmm so why would things that you need to be turned on be more dangerous than things than watches and pacemakers.... You do have to turn them on also at least once you know... It is not difficult to turn the Reader off, ... but does it make any sense ..??

Zevs

The reason they want it turned off is because (if I remember my High School science correctly) all electronic devices emit RF, the question is what level, and will it interfere with the instruments during a very critical phase of flight. Takeoff and landing. Aircraft manufacturers perform testing of some devices, but not all. So "approved" devices are allowed.

I know the Reader is off when not refreshing the display, but rather than get in a "discussion" with the flight attendant, I just turn it off and lose a combined 10 minutes of reading time. Not that big a deal, really.

[MickeyC]

Originally Posted by anotherchance

Yes, I took my Reader on my trip to the UK last month and it performed flawlessly. I was a good boy and turned it off before takeoff and landing.

I thoroughly enjoyed using it on the plane. I put one of the little pillows on the tray-table, and nestled the Reader on that, then I was able to sit back, relax, and just keep one finger on the page-turn button. I blazed through nearly two complete books during the return flight, and the battery dropped one bar. Loved it.

Please don't post comments like this.

You make me want to buy a 505, load it with books and go fly somewhere; just for the pleasure of reading.

Damn, I think I'll do it anyway!