GPS "training"

[loewy]

Hi all,

Just bought myself a Garmin 495 and can't wait until the weekend !...

One thing is reading the manual and understanding how to operate the thing -which I think I do (!). Another is to make the best use of this tool in casual cross-country flying, which is most of what I do. In this respect, I don't find the users manual that well done.

Would any of you have a recommendation of good reading to make sure that I am best equipped to plan my next flight and take advantage of this great new toy ?

Thanks in advance and good landings,

L

[drambuster]

There's a very good guide to using GPS, called Cockpit GPS, produced by a Delta airlines captain, John Bell. I can't recommend it highly enough for getting on top of all the basic concepts. You can find the PDF download at:

Cockpit and Small Boat GPS (http://www.cockpitgps.com)

The 495 is a great piece of kit. Have fun !

NB - wherever he makes reference to WAAS then you need to know (if you don't already) that in Europe we are rolling out (slowly) the EGNOS equivalent (i.e compatible) system. More details can be found at:

ESA - Navigation - The present - EGNOS (http://www.esa.int/esaNA/egnos.html)

[loewy]

Thanks for your helpful and friendly reply, Drambuster !

L

[421C]

There is a detailed manual on GPS use in aviaiton available for download free at this link
www.pplir.org/rnavmanual (http://www.pplir.org/rnavmanual)

It has a lot of advanced material only relevant for IFR, but take a look; section 2 in particular may have some background you are interested in.

rgds
421C

[Fright Level]

I found the Garmin 430 simulator (available from their site) invaluable. Not sure if they have or plan to release a version for the 490 series as well?

[Julian]

I am not sure of the actual link but somewhere on the FAA website there are instructional videos you can watch on GPS. Do a search on there and sure it will pop up, or someone here will probably be able to provide.

J.

[tangovictor]

probably not out yet, for the 495/6 however the 296 training dvd, is really good,

[steveking]

I use the 296 which is almost he same as the 495. When I first got mine I spent hours with it in simulator mode, you use the panel page to fly on the screen. This way you can practice to your hearts content. Fantastic bit of kit. You won't really need a book just practice.