I know its done to death, I have looked at the search function, however due to the phenominal rate that these things progress I thought I'd post.

I have been looking at GPS systems on the net, and firstly -

1/ Are they worth the money, for a PPL holder who is shortly undertaking an APP program.

2/ Do they cover worldwide locations?

3/ Do they become redundant once/if you secure an airline job?

4/ Can they be used in various skill tests that require nav work?

5/ How accurate are current systems?

6/ Are they any good for the road too?

7/ Which ones are the best?

I appreciate I have asked alot of questions, but if anyone can answer any or many of them you will greatly help me make a decision and I'll be very grateful!

Cheers! :ok:

1) For a PPL VFR only aid yes, for your (I'm guessing) Commercial programme - no. (APP in aviation normally means APproach Procedural for ATCO's - you've mentioned APP a few times and, in your case, what the h*ll does it stand for?)

2) No - databases are regional. Standard is either Americas or Rest of the World

3) Airliner GPS's have to be BRNAV approved - that means fixed installation. Hand helds that you buy in your local aviation suppliers catalogues don't even come close.

4) No. The only ones you would be able to use are those certificated and approved for the job as well as being installed in the aircraft. See answer (3) above

5) Very

6) If they've got the road database - yes. If it's aviation - no.

7) Anything by Garmin

APP is Airline Preparation Programme, a new name for the Integrated ATPL Course offered by OATS

It's ridiculous even to discuss it. They are the most revolutionary thing in aviation since the jet engine or the helicopter. They are cheap. Buy one.

QDM

APP is Airline Preparation Programme, a new name for the Integrated ATPL Course offered by OATS
Great - another multi-use acronym to confuse the world :(

As said earlier, if you are doing standard non-commercial flying and want the GPS to help - get a Garmin or Skymap

It isn't clear from your original post what you will actually need one for. Certainly if you are training, then the plane you fly will be properly equipped. If you want it for road navigation, then get one with the road database

Alternatively, if it is just for play, then why not get one of the iPaq-based ones.

Just sounds to me as though you have a wider brief than you have asked, and no one product will fit your bill

Would feel lost without my little garmin pilot III. (Not literally!)

It appears to be extremely accurate when flying, but in my experience, useful as a toy only when driving. Even less useful when walking. Despite re-setting the datums to, I found innacuracies of about half a mile, when I used mine for walking in Cornwall last year. Not much use if lost in fog near a cliff top.

As a side point, I was out walking in the Peak District last week, noticed this old geezer, fiddling with his little hand held. Looked absolutely Pi**ed off, wife looked even more bored. It was a beautiful day, you could see for miles from the tops---couldn't help thinking that he was missing the point somehow !

They are cheap and easy to use and incredibly handy. Makes flying so much more fun than the old pre-gps days. I ALWAYS carry a handheld GPS and com in my flight bag for backup.

Navman Bluetooth GPS, Ipaq.

CAA charts for the air, software supplied with the GPS for use on the road (SmartST I think).FAA Sectional / WAC charts for the USA, Anywhere Map EFIS for the USA.

Very good piece of kit, valued at under ~£500, very accurate and it makes interesting analysing on the PC afterwards.