Droopystop
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.
I am sure that Chuck's extensive experience and skill means he is vastly more capable than many pilots.
However, he is also an experienced instructor and in recommending that pilots use an appropriate mix of the tools, am sure he has considered this point.
How Chuck uses GPS does not really matter to me (or other pilots), what is important is how I (or they) use it and how it enhances flight safety. For example, I always use a chart and PLOG. I also use bearings from VORs and DME if available, as well as GPS. Then there is pilotage (which I find is really useful in tandem with GPS, but stands alone too) and I time the flight with a stopwatch on my board.
If I enounter RAIM or any other failure mode, then life just got a little more awkward, since I am augementing classic navigation techniques with the new technology and have just lost one of my multiple data sources; the others remain and I can always talk to a radar station or even get a VDF steer if it is required.
Other users, e.g. IO540, are more sophisticated (and also more capable pilots than me) in their use of GPS.
One of the disturbing aspects of some of the comments on the thread is the assumption, despite may of us posting to the contrary, that using a GPS does not replace traditional skills, but builds on them.
Anyone who relies on a one form of nav is asking for trouble.
Cumulus Rider
Was the signals square set up and in use?
Yes, it was, but the glider pilot had apparently got himself into a position where energy did not allow him to comply.
BTW, I've never encountered a problem with people who are both PPL & glider pilot; conversley as I did a bit of gliding before PPL, have always tried to put myself in their shoes too, e.g. keeping a very good lookout under CUs on nice days.
Blasting through a winch zone is unforgiveable.
BTW, I didn;t cast the first stone, just returned it to from whence it came
