F3G,
However, if you wish to CONFIRM POSITION and my interpretation of this is that it would be a very infrequent event for each pilot, the training fix process allows this and is promulgated as such. It seems to me that it breaks a link in a potential accident chain and if used with respect, then is an excellent facility.
If someone is pretty sure of where they are, but wants confirmation, may I suggest learning to read a map a bit better!
D&D are not there as a nav aid, they are there to try and get you out of the cr*p.
It doesn't seem as if there will be any consensus over this topic, but it is an interesting debate.
People stuff up every day and when it comes to radio boxes it can be a mine field. In your average airliner the boxes are tucked away out of your direct line of sight, unlike in most G/A types. Add this to the fact that you are often working both boxes at the same time (along with PA's etc.) it is no wonder there are a lot of mistakes made. This doesn't justify it, but with the much greater amount of commercial traffic around compared to G/A it is hardly surprising that most of the incorrect calls come from that sector.
I'll make my point again for the last time. D&D is there as an aid to flight safety, if you abuse it by pretending you aren't lost when you really are, then you cheapen the value of this service and in my eyes make yourself look like a d*ckhead.
Use it when you need to, but don't abuse this service just because you aren't man (or woman) enough to admit to being lost and asking for help when you really need it.