[Scan-DC] Scanners on aircraft

[Steve Thompson]

Just got back from Utah and California.  I often take a portable scanner 
with me and have never had it questioned.  Before security, I always have 
it tuned to WTOP (now 103.5 MHz) in case I'm asked to demonstrate that it 
works (as opposed to demonstrating that it is full of explosives).   I 
figure than any TSA guy who is spooked by a scanner would be even more 
spooked if I turned it on and ATC or the Dulles PD blasts out of the speaker.

I like to have it with me in case my flight is delayed.  I can listen to 
Clearance Delivery and Ground Control and see what advice the pilots are 
getting about their takeoff prospects.  I can also monitor news on the FM 
band during a delay.  I carry an inexpensive earplug.

On personal travel, I sometimes take a GPS, also with no trouble.

Steve, N4TX