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Old 31st August 2012 | 14:52
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Pilot DAR
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Okay, I accept that there is a whole new breed of gadgets out there, which computer wizards have adapted to appear to provide useful information in an aviation environment.

However, IF pilots expect to fly in a "safe", compliant environment in certified aircraft, they need to resist the temptation of un approved gadgets in primary information roles.

If you have got yourself into a situation where both operationally, and aircraft condition/operationally you need to rely on such a gadget, you were already in way over your head, and should be reverting to your training (which very certainly DID NOT include the use of such gadgets) to get yourself out.

If you are a VFR only pilot who has blundered into IMC, and thereafter had a system failure which leads you to need such a gadget, you were a fool, and the gadget is not going to be of any help, as you are already overwhelmed. and you're going to loose control anyway for lack of training.

Fly the aircraft within its and your limitations. The aircraft limitations will be based upon how it is equipped and approved.

I flew a turbine helicopter 1900 miles north to south in western Canada in October - with no attitude indicator. I just maintained visual contact with the ground and a useable horizon. I did not refer to the additional Garmin GPS functions which mimicked "instruments". Allowing one's self to be lured further into poor visibility because you have a non aircraft approved gadget in your pocket is very foolish.
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