Steve - thats not the point that's being made. By all means teach gps use prior to licence issue - but the point is that that should only come after the basics have been learnt by paper chart, whizz wheel and so on. Its vitally important to understand what is actually going on with wind calculations and to be able to navigate from a plog and chart. Even if you never have to use those skills in anger once you have qualified, they will help you spot gross errors and are available if the technology lets you down (I mean WHEN the technology lets you down)