Originally Posted by
flybymike
, what specific form of training is it suggested should be given for GPS use (specifically excluding anything which would in any event be covered in a conventional non GPS flight planning environment?)
To properly use a GPS based navigation program you need a good SOP that will avoid the Gotcha's.
So in broad strokes.
!) What are my flight planning considerations for todays flight. These include weather, wind, terrain, airspace, alternate landing field; considerations ?
2) After considering point 1, what route do I want to
plan before I get into the airplane ?
3) How am I going to enter that route, ie how will I use the flight plan function of the GPS navigator ?
4) How am I going to preflight the navigator, ie how will I ensure the database is current, the flight plan I loaded is sensible, the unit is functional (eg battery life ) ?
5) For non panel mounted units, how am I going to place it so that it is convenient but not a distraction ?
6) What presentation am I going to use. North Up ? track up ? What navigational information is most important to me and how is it displayed ?
7) In flight what system am I going to use to backup the GPS. A periodic PLOG entry ?, a tick mark on a paper map ?, a geographic reference that is going in the right direction ?
So with a bit of training we could develop good habits that leverages the navigational accuracy of GPS for safer flying, or just have new PPL's buy their first magic box and hit, Direct to enter
, minds blissfully unencumbered,
by conscious effort on the part of flight training providers with any useful instruction
