Originally Posted by thing
Has the ability to fly a perfectly good circuit anywhere without an altimeter been lost?
Of course not, but when your visual circuit height is a mere few hundred feet below the instrument approach of another airfield, then "gashing it" isn't really an option.
Even at Elementary training, the ASI is covered up to see how well the student copes. Perhaps I'll try the altimeter next time too.
I don't see too many issues with the RAF flying at various places around the world. I've flown my fast jet into many airfields in the US with no issues at all. I've operated my fast jet in the mountains of northern Afghanistan, in the dark, at low level without issue.
So clearly we're doing something right.
Bored now.