can't receive GPS lock with Note 2 in airplane mode

[signaltwins]

I'm a little confused about the GPS and airplane mode on my Note 2.

When the phone is in airplane mode, the GPS can't get a signal lock. According to GPS Test app, the phone sees zero satellites.

However, if I turn on airplane mode when there is no SIM card in the phone, the GPS gets a signal lock within 3 to 5 seconds.

I also tried this recently on a Trans-Atlantic flight. Halfway into the flight, I turned on my phone which was still in airplane mode, so no GPS lock at all. I turned airplane mode off and the GPS locked within 15 seconds. I was in a window seat with the phone pressed against the window. It managed to see 11 satellites. It was able to show me speed(MPH) and heading(degrees).

Is this normal?

 

[Shill1986]

I would imagine that it disables the gps... Airplane usually does disable wifi, gps, and cell network... I hardly use it and never on the note 2

Sent from my VZW Galaxy Note II, hyper powered via MeanBean 1.11
- Hyperion 6,200MAh Extended Battery
- Modded Otterbox to fit battery
- An S-Pen (deal with it)
​

 

[FlyingBackwards]

I would imagine that it disables the gps... Airplane usually does disable wifi, gps, and cell network... I hardly use it and never on the note 2

Sent from my VZW Galaxy Note II, hyper powered via MeanBean 1.11
- Hyperion 6,200MAh Extended Battery
- Modded Otterbox to fit battery
- An S-Pen (deal with it)
​

I get a GPS signal just fine even when airplane mode is on.(with wifi off as well)

Google Maps and GPS Test app can pick up the GPS satellites and get a lock within a couple of seconds, like usual.