OK. This thread started making a point about the potential distraction of a GPS in the cockpit. Plainly this is an airmanship issue.
Fact: GPS can be a distraction to pilots
Fact: Modern avionics can reduce the workload for pilots. BUT and it is a HUGE BUT it takes proper training and practice before modern toys realise this benefit. There is a period where workload is INCREASED when new technology is introduced.
So to those who are dispariging about those of us who support traditional nav techniques:
Have you undertaken proper training on the GPS you use?
Do you always fly with an upto date data base?
Do you always input your route before moving off chocks?
Do you have a procedure to follow if RAIM becomes unavailable or the box fails?
Should traditional nav not be taught anymore?
Have you ever allowed yourself to be distracted by the GPS?
Have you ever tried to use a GPS in flight you were not familiar with?
Yes there is an equivalent list for traditional nav techniques. The difference is that there is formalised training in the PPL for traditional nav. GPS is a wonderful tool providing it is incorporated in a proper airmanship like fashion. I think the point VOD80 was trying to make is that it seems that people are forgetting proper airmanship when sat behind a GPS.
F3G,
Chuck makes a good point. But I am pretty sure his experience means that his approach to using a GPS would be vastly different to the average PPLs approach. Use a GPS because Chuck says so is not a complete enough story - you need to know how he uses it.