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[Phys-L] Re: "You may now use your Geiger counter"



Anthony Lapinski wrote:
Is there a specific list of "banned" items which nobody can take onto any
airplane? And if so, is a Geiger counter one of them? I've often wanted to
take one of these up (those old yellow ones with a meter but no clicking
noise) to see the effects of radiation at high altitudes.

If you just want to measure the radiation, use a film badge.

A Geiger counter would be considered a PED (portable electronic device).
Anything not specifically approved is forbidden. There are procedures
for getting approval, but you would have to motivate the airline to do
the work ... but as an ordinary passenger you don't have much leverage.
You'd need a much better reason than personal curiosity, especially when
dealing with a subject that might bring bad publicity to the airline.

I quote from
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/5d4aefd672582d15852566cf006135dc!OpenDocument


FAR 91.21

Portable electronic devices.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any
operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic
device on any of the following U.S.-registered civil aircraft:
(1) Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate; or
(2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers; or
(5) Any other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will
not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it
is to be used.
(c) In the case of an aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or
an operating certificate, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall
be made by that operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used. In the
case of other aircraft, the determination may be made by the pilot in command or other operator
of the aircraft.

Note paragraph (c): For an airline flight, don't bother asking the pilot; he can't
approve your request. The operating certificate holder (i.e. the _airline_) has to
approve it.

For the next level of detail including an outline of how approval might work:
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/72f58116704fc3d986256a71006ed5b0/$FILE/AC91-21-1A.pdf

Getting a counter aboard a _corporate_ jet might be easier. Or just go with the
film badge approach.
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