GPS (thread drift)
For Cranfield visitors this w/e -
Annexe C of the AIC has a list of Waypoints co-ordinates for punching into a basic GPS, then punching "goto" whichever one you want, for a check on basic, ded-reckoning and map-reading.
(NOT a good idea to use a moving-map thingey in the Rally environment...)
I bought a Garmin 45, years ago - the marine version of the 95, and very cheap. Max ground-speed 99 knots; that's about my VNE nowadays...
A useless moving-map on the small screen; a "man-overboard" feature for instantly marking a position to return to: no data-base - I've punched in the co-ords of all the places and waypoints I think I'll need - but it really has all the basic stuff for VFR flying. Addictive, though, if you're lazy and not careful.
I find it useful in murky weather, for a check on my track-keeping in featureless areas. or with variable winds. And when you KNOW that waypoint MUST be right here, right now, the little arrow on the screen says "right there on your left, blockhead" (ie in your blind spot, at that moment).
I just sit it on my lap. and the AA batteries seem to last for ages if I don't fiddle with the buttons much.
Horses for courses, really.
WS