Cd player

[N5132L]

I am looking for a cd/radio player to instal in my plane or a means to listen to a walkman over the headset while in flight. Obviously the moore economical, the better; I just spent about 8 grand for an annual on my 1968 cherokee 180 so I am flat broke. I read somewhere about some equipment that can be used to listen to music and also talk on the cell phone. I would greately appreciate any pointers. By the way 'great website' and it is great reading everybodys' backgound in general aviation.

[TriPacerTX]

Most bang for the buck: Get a stereo intercom with input jack. Then go buy one of the new 20gig MP3 players for $250. You can load 350 CD's and carry with you wherever you go.

[cirrusownerandCFI]

Talking on the cell phone in flight is a no-no. It is prohibited by FCC regulations. They do make phones especially for use in the air, if you want to chat while you fly. These are legal, but not just regular cells.

[Maverick9581]

sorry to butt in but if there is one thing I can't stand, it's this cell phone debate. I see absolutely no reason why it should be illegal to talk on a cell phone while in flight. I've been doing it for hours and hours between commutes (VFR mind you) and there is no such thing as interference with cell phones and radios, they operate completely seperate from one another and there is no interaction between the two. The reason the FCC bans the use of cell phones in flight is because when you're traveling at an altitude greater than sea level and going faster than 100mph, the remote towers have a slight problem defining where your signal is going to be transfered. This doesn't slow anything down and the end result is either you get a signal or you don't (hence the whole bad reception in flight deal). The FCC also doesn't want to be liable in case something does happen, but the chances of that are slim to none. I don't know about the rest of you but I'm not going to dish out $10,000 to install a "FCC certified air phone" in my plane and then pay $80 a month for the service when I can just call my company/friend 25 miles from my destination to have them pick me up on time for free. It's lame, it's ridiculous and it's the same reason they don't let you listen to your CD player during take-off on the commercial airlines (what is that all about?). If somebody would like to prove me wrong, by all means go ahead, however my research and experience have shown no direct correlation or causality between cell phone use and radio interference.

[RejD]

The only reason you can't listen to your walkman on a commercial airline during taxi, takeoff and landing is because they wan't you to listen to their safety announcements. Also, this is the most likely time something can go wrong and they wan't you to be able to hear any emergency announcements. It has nothing to do with radio interference.

Please note: this is what I was told from my wife who works as a flight attendant.

[Denny of Oakland]

I would like to make a comment on adding equipment in your aircraft by adding jacks or other electrical equipment. There is a right way and a wrong way. The right way is by going to a certified repair station and consulting them on what and how is the best method to install the equipment. Adding wires and slicing into the electrical system is a major alteration and will require a Field Approval on FAA Form 337. The equipment that is installed has to be compatible with your aircraft systems and meet the certification requirement of CAR 3 or FAR 23 depending on the year of your aircraft.

Certain equipment like cell phones, CD-players, hand held NAV equipment should NEVER be in use on take off on aircraft. There is a very good reason it is the lack of electrical shielding on the wires. On commercial aircraft (cell phones) will interfere with NAV equipment. Don’t believe me be sitting in the seat next to me on your next commercial flight and turn on your cell phone and you will get a bed and breakfast paid for with our tax dollars at the next stop. Cell phones should never be used especially on certain aircraft. When I set in the cockpit and someone turns on a cell phone in flight depending on where there are sitting the flight crew will know. In certain rows even a heart pacer will effect the NAV equipment.

You are wondering how do I know this, because I am a FAA inspector who happens to fly around in aircraft and issues field approvals. My job is to keep you out of trouble. I would suggest you contact your local Flight Standard District Office and ask to speak with an avionic inspector about what you would like to do. I am sure they would be more than happy to assist and guide you thru the process. If not I would welcome you to the Oakland FSDO I would use some of our tax dollars time and walk you thru the process.

Denny of Oakland