It's no wonder we are still flying around in a knackered aging GA fleet. Our mindsets are buried in the dark ages. reflecting on the upcoming centery of flight makes me think that if the "brothers" had not accepted and created new thinking and new technology would we even be in the air today?
The fact is that GPS is a modern and reliable piece of equipment that goes a huge way to lowering cockpit workload and improving flight safety.
Pure dead reckoning flight is from the dark ages and the people who advocate that it is the only way to fly and the GPS is evil worry me.
GPS is one of many tools available to the modern pilot and should be used in jointly with all of the tools available to us. I flew an instrument approach to Cambridge recently on the ILS using my FM Immune "certified" equipment 3 weeks out of a star annual. GPS in conjunction with the "approved" kit. Half way down the slope the GS needle stuck in the centre. GPS cross checking with the DME identified the problem straight away and the appoach was completed as a localiser approach from the plates with the GPS verifying that centre line was still being maintained. This was an approach to minimums on a very pooh day.
Flying VFR with the GPS in conjunction with a map, lines and wind gives very satisfying results. I have never been lost. I can identify my position from anyone of the instruments in the aircraft and VFR I can just look out the window.
I have used GPS for the last 500 hours without failure and there is nothing more satisyfing than arriving at a waypoint at the time that I planned it on my map. GPS is a great corrector for wind and other deviations. Perhaps GA would be treat with a little more respect by certain Air Traffic Controllers if they were ALWAYS certain of ther position and there time of arrival at certain points. If we fly like proffessional pilots embracing technology then maybe we will be treat like proffessionals.
Flying is meant to be fun and not eveyones idea of fun is doing guesswork with a map and a stop watch. Perhaps more pilots would fly past there first renewal if things like navigation were made more integrated? This is only going to happen if those who influence our thinking accepted the 21st cenury a little more readily?
For the record I am not saying that there is anything wrong with floating around on a summers eveing with no electrical system and nothing but a map and a stop watch. I also fly microlights and that is a very satisfying way of spending time and navigating. But lets not discourage people from utilising technology just because we think it is evil!
When I learnt to drive the car had no seat belts, I would not even think of buying a car now without seat belts, airbags, ABS, Traction control and any other gadget that will help me. Oh and of course sat nav!
My advice, buy a GPS, integrate it into your cockipit routine, dont rely on any one method of navigation, aim to practice them all and your flying will become more confident and fun.
/end of lengthy rant!