Definition
Handheld or removable cockpit devices that receive data link weather broadcasts (such as FIS-B on the 978 MHz UAT frequency) and display the information on the unit itself or on a connected tablet or smartphone. They are not permanently installed in the aircraft and are typically powered by an internal battery or cigarette-lighter outlet.
Plain English
Small, take-with-you devices that pick up free in-flight weather signals and show the weather on a screen, without being wired into the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in data link weather discussions and in cockpit setup when a pilot uses a tablet or portable display for in-flight weather information.
Why Pilots Care
They give pilots without permanently installed avionics access to current weather and traffic information, supporting better route and altitude decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “portable receiver” means a handheld communication radio. In this context, it means a carry-on device that receives aviation weather data for display in the cockpit.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot clipped the portable receiver to the glareshield and paired it with the tablet so FIS-B weather would display in flight.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the student checked the portable receiver for updated METARs and TAFs at the destination airport.