http://ipv6.faa.gov/about/office_org...6.pdf#page=121
The data show that pilots who use GPS and moving maps, and who invest the time to take note of geographical features along their route of flight, exhibit a level of navigational awareness that is higher than pilots who make no such effort. This finding suggests two things: (1) there are practical techniques that can help mitigate the loss-of-awareness phenomenon observed among pilots who use GPS and moving maps; and (2) a more active pilot involvement in the navigation task seems to be the key to maintaining navigational awareness. What is perhaps most interesting about the result is how such a simple practice of pointing out geographical features was sufficient to make such a striking difference in pilot awareness. This suggests that navigational awareness is indeed a fragile phenomenon.
the technique of pointing out geographical features is simply not possible in all situations. For example, it is generally not possible to see geographical features when flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Even under visual meteorological conditions, other cockpit duties (e.g., scanning for traffic, configuring avionics, etc.) would often prevent pilots from performing an out-the-window search for geographical features. Hence, there is a need to discover other practical techniques that help pilots maintain navigational awareness.
Pilots, flight instructors, evaluators, and policymakers have long talked about the importance of “staying in the loop” while flying with automation. Perhaps now is a good time to make explicit proficiency standards for navigational awareness in the technically advanced cockpit.
Always good to try and bring a bit of proper research into the loop.
G