5

I am an electronics engineer and electronics enthusiast with the desire to monitor different parameters at different times.

I've created a small X-Y-Z planes accelerometer, which I would like to take to the airplane to measure accelerations during takeoff and landing.

May I have any kind of problems carrying this item on the plane, for which I will add a switch and a 9V battery?

What are actual regulations about DIY electronics? I know you can carry a laptop, tablet, phone, camera, etc., but DIY?

PS: Would it make easier to carry if I'd put it into a 3D-printed case?

PS2: I forgot to mention it, I'm flying inside the EU with Ryanair and Easyjet.

enter image description here

|improve this question
  • flying inside Europe – Jakey Apr 17 '18 at 10:21
  • I flew with DIY kits from china to EU. They didn't ask any question but they were very strict with batteries. It would be good if you keep the label from kit manufacturer which describes the kit. – N Randhawa Apr 17 '18 at 10:43
7

There aren't any regulations I know of specifically covering bringing DIY electronics (it would be a weird thing to make a regulation about). I've carried them many times, and only had something inspected once: They swabbed it with an explosive detection swab, waited for the beep, and let me go on my way.

Actually using such a thing on a plane may be different. I'm gonna go waaaay out on a limb and guess that you haven't subjected that thing to EMF testing.

|improve this answer
  • Nope, didn't. But still, since it doesn't have a transmitter/receiver, why would it be under question? – Jakey Apr 17 '18 at 10:08
  • 7
    Every electronic circuit with active components is a transmitter. The question is, is it the sort of transmitter that could interfere with the plane's communication or navigation systems. – Sneftel Apr 17 '18 at 10:24
  • 10
    I suggest reading UNDERSTANDING THE FCC REGULATIONS FOR COMPUTERS AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES. In its terms, most of the devices airlines have approved for use in flight are Class B devices. The development process for computers includes testing according to the Class A or Class B standards. – Patricia Shanahan Apr 17 '18 at 10:54
  • 5
    @Jakey: Unless you have tested the device for RF noise you don't know whether it will interfere with the plane's systems if you power it up. And even if you have tested it, the crew still won't know that, as long as the test hasn't been signed off by a qualified laboratory. – Henning Makholm Apr 17 '18 at 12:27
  • 4
    @Jakey: I would be surprised if you're allowed to use custom electronics on the plane. If you get things aboard the plane by fraud like you describe, you'd probably be risking at criminal charges for knowingly jeopardizing safety, rather than just getting told to power it down. – Henning Makholm Apr 17 '18 at 13:54
2

You will definitely not be allowed to use your custom device on your Easyjet flight. They list what can be used, and specifically say that devices without a "Flight Safe" mode must be switched off.

|improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.