If you're VFR then published safety altitudes aren't really relevant. You're supposed to be able to see & avoid terrain & obstacles, hence - in part - the VMC criteria. VFR lets you fly much closer to the surface/obstacles than any safety altitude.
As for whiz wheels, I prefer the CR circular types such as Jepps. CR5. No bulky slide to get in the way. Much more portable. It's always in my flight bag although only occasionally used now that nearly all the aircraft I fly are GPS equipped. Used to use it a lot when I flew air ambulance from Shetland.
Last edited by Tinstaafl; 11th Jun 2010 at 21:04.