There is no place for contempt amongst aviators of any kind, be they airline pilots or PPL's.
I try and see it from both sides (as an airline jockey and FI). WWW's argument is his, not mine, I can only talk about the points I put across.
My argument about aids is to not use D&D like a VOR or GPS, but as the emergency service it really is.
One analogy is, would you call an ambulance because you had a minor cut? No I hope not, they have better things to be worrying about. But if you have cut yourself with a bandsaw and there's claret everywhere, then get them there as fast as possible. It may not be serious, but the uncertainty means you need to ask for help.
If you are a 'little bit lost' i.e pretty much know where you are, but are unable to identify a feature, don't automatically go for 121.5. Think about it. Are you likely to break into a zone? Is there any chance of going into a danger area? Have you even checked wether the danger areas are active? Are you running out of juice? Why are you unsure of your position? Check your DI, Compass, Hdg, MSA, PLOG to see if you just made a silly error.
Are there any features that would allow you to work out your position?
If at that point you still can't work out where you are, then you are lost, Call D&D. Until you've done all you can yourself why do you think you are lost?
Our licences allow us to fly all over the world if we wish, if you are reliant on one service such as D&D to get you out of trouble, then what do you do if you go somewhere that doesn't have the service? D&D are a back up for when you are in trouble. Getting a bit unsure on a navex doesn't really count as 'trouble' in my book. Take some responsiblity and work it out for yourself using the methods that you should have been taught.
IO,
I think GPS is the single best thing that has happened to G/A since the Wright Bros. thought it might be fun try this flying lark.
I personally always have a handheld GPS in my bag and think everyone should know how to use the things properly. an extract from a recent trainingcom.
TRAINING IN THE USE OF GPS GPS systems are becoming commonplace but their misuse is equally common. Flying schools of all types, are encouraged to offer training in the use of GPS. If students wish to fly with GPS, there is an opportunity to teach them to use it properly – don’t ignore it! GPS training should not be at the expense of other syllabus training in navigation and the use of radio aids. For guidance see LASORS (Safety Sense 25) and AIC 93 / 2002 (Pink 41).
I heartily agree with it's sentiments.
On last thing from Fuji
Whether all these pilots should be lost or nearly lost is a totally different matter. Clearly they should not. Who is to blame - well I am afraid it has to be the FIs. The fact of the matter is get the training right and the problem will go away.
The training of students in some places is not as good as it should be, but PPL's are licenced pilots themselves and it should be their responsibility to ensure that their skills are up to scratch. After all, do you blame driving instructors for some of the idiots that clog up our roads?
People forget over time and if they don't keep up to date and practice the skills required, then it doesn't matter if the best FI in the world has taught you, you will be crap. End of!