IO540,
I wasn't meaning that a non moving map GPS is used in isolation, rather to supplement the paper chart. But I agree, using such a system does open up the opportunity for mistakes.
As for 1:50,000 maps, yes the flying I do is little unusual although with a helicopter, the world is your landing site (almost). There are even one or two 1:25,000 maps kicking around in the back.
Cactus99:
I do hope you don't mean it when you say :
I have some ex-students who now have a licence who are, quite frankly a liability in the sky. Whats worse is that these people are allowed to carry passengers. Not their fault, but the system which is currently in place does not demand high enough standards for licence issue. I make the point again that these figures speak for themselves.
Are you saying that you taught these liabilities?
Yes, the PPL Confuser makes a mockery of the PPL ground exams. No, increasing the Ground School will not prevent busts. Yes it is important that students learn how to read maps and how the information displayed affects the flight planning process. But the only way to learn how to navigate is by going out there and flying it. Instructors should be spending more time teaching students how to read the map and the land.