Surf the web while flying?

NoPoliticsHere wrote:

"Capt.Doug" wrote in message ...

I usually don't read the posts about electronics, so please excuse my
ignorance if this subject has been visited previously. I'm wondering if
there is a device similar to a handheld GPS receiver (same size, portable
antenna that suction cups to a window, battery powered) that I can use to
surf the web while cruising at the flight levels. The new cellphones won't
work at altitude. If there is a device like I desire, will it work over the
ocean or only over the continental US?


Now this is pretty wild. The one thing I never imagined on a long flight is
my captain surfing the Web. Just keep away from the adult sites as we
need both hands always readily available!

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If you think that, with no inflight web surfing currently available,
pilot's eyes, ears, hands, and feet remain solidly affixed to to the
controls 100% of the time while airborne, you are mistaken. You may be
surprised to learn that during long, boring cruise operations,
newspapers, magazines, and books are read by all involved.
Conversations take place that have *nothing* to do with the flight at
hand! Believe it or not, some will open up a personal DVD player and
watch a movie, or listen to music on their iPod.

The fact is, a professional, experienced flight crew member is able to
safely divide his/her attention between the task at hand, and other
entertaining activities that help to pass the time. I don't believe
that inflight web surfing would pose any greater diversion than a
spirited debate on politics. The added safety benefit from instant
access to unlimited data and information would be a tremendous plus, in
my mind.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane