I have a question and hopefully some of the more astute forum members may be able to answer this, and hopefully create a debate amongst others, here it is:
Why can I sit at my computer listening via the Internet to most of the ATC centres in the USA but I can not listen to ATC at Gatwick Airport 6 miles away from me?
One would have thought in a more security enlightened USA that this facility would be shut down, and in the UK it is illegal to listen to ATC’s.
Bex
By: bexWH773 - 2nd July 2007 at 22:45
Snapper, well, just coz I sit listening to ATC on me lap top doesnt mean I dont do alot, bearing in mind I actually spend alot of time restoring an old aircraft so, wanna try again?
By: Snapper - 2nd July 2007 at 22:41
Sounds like a really thrilling pastime.
By: bexWH773 - 2nd July 2007 at 11:37
According to the document Grey Area found, its legal to own a scanner but its illegal to use it. But also ya average Plod wont worry about and I think Plod have to be requested by the RA in order for the offence to be confirmed etc. Bex
By: PMN - 2nd July 2007 at 11:25
I always thought it was perfectly legal to listen to ATC while outside the airport perimeter but not inside it? If that is the case it never seems to stop the spotters I see at MAN or LBA sat enjoying a coffee with the ATC on their scanners!
Paul
By: bexWH773 - 30th June 2007 at 23:14
The UK Radio Communications Agency would seem to agree with you. This factsheet should answer your questions. 😎
TY Grey Area, are you looming in an area that is largely grey or an area greyingly large? Yes Im trying to be funny……. I hope :d Bex
By: bexWH773 - 30th June 2007 at 18:41
None of them have ever told me to stop using it – one even commented on how it made me ‘more’ of a ‘spotter’. grrr
In this day and age and in light of events earlier today (Glasgow Airport) anything that helps enthusiasts recognizable as enthusiasts must help. Im still sat here listening to the Tower at Newark (USA) why cant we do it with our own ATC? Bex
By: adamdowley - 30th June 2007 at 18:31
Ive stood in front of many police officers with my scanner on, listening to ATC at airports. None of them have ever told me to stop using it – one even commented on how it made me ‘more’ of a ‘spotter’. grrr
I know an ex firearms officer and police instructor who frequently uses an airband scanner, so I don’t think the authorities really have anything against it.
By: Grey Area - 30th June 2007 at 17:31
I was under the impression that it was legal to own scanning equipment, but it was illegal to use them……. daft laws, like the radar detectors for cars. Im also hoping that this may be clarrified by this thread 😀
The UK Radio Communications Agency would seem to agree with you. This factsheet should answer your questions. 😎
By: bexWH773 - 30th June 2007 at 16:19
I was under the impression that it was legal to own scanning equipment, but it was illegal to use them……. daft laws, like the radar detectors for cars. Im also hoping that this may be clarrified by this thread 😀
By: tenthije - 30th June 2007 at 16:16
I have a question and hopefully some of the more astute forum members may be able to answer this, and hopefully create a debate amongst others, here it is:
Why can I sit at my computer listening via the Internet to most of the ATC centres in the USA but I can not listen to ATC at Gatwick Airport 6 miles away from me?
One would have thought in a more security enlightened USA that this facility would be shut down, and in the UK it is illegal to listen to ATC’s.
Bex
Are you sure it’s illegal? Cause whenever I go spotting in Manchester or one of London’s airports there always seem to be some wtih scanners.
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June 30, 2007 at 1:58 pm