Originally Posted by FormationFlyer
AIC 93/2002 Pink 41.
Since you had stated, unequivocally, that the use of GPS is NOT LEGAL as a primary means of navigation in UK airspace, I was hoping (as, I know, were others) that you could put this debate to rest by quoting law (ie ANO or Eurostuff) rather than operational guidelines.
But leaving the legalities to one side, let's consider the logic. GPS is approved, or shortly to become approved, as the primary navigation means for:
1. IFR in BRNAV controlled airspace, with direct clearances that can be greatly in excess of 100nm;
2. IFR in PRNAV exceptionally-busy TMA airspace, flying SID's and STAR's to very tight track-error tolerances; and
3. IFR non-precision approaches in IMC to NDB minima or lower.
But it's not suitable as the primary navigation means in VFR in the open FIR? Laughable ... and a quite unsustainable position, since most pilots know first hand that with the right equipment, knowledge and SOP's it is at least as good a navigation method as anything else that is available.
None of which is meant to decry the alternative of map reading and MDR as first taught to me nearly thirty years ago. They work perfectly well in VMC (less so single crew in IMC!), could be said to be immune to equipment failure (although where was I recently reading of someone's watch failure on skill test!?) and have stood the test of time. Flying the Chipmunk, I can still enjoy the challenge. When using my high performance SEP to go places? You must be joking!