I am quite happy that I started out way before GPS, Ozrunways and all that. I am quite happy to use a WAC chart, compass and watch for VFR as although maybe a bit rusty at it I flew for many years with only that. Most of that flying was out of range of ADF's and VOR's anyway. I had an old Bendix T12C ADF in my Cessna 180 that was never the less pretty good at picking up ABC radio in remote areas for a little music.
Before you may think "who is this mad old bastard" well I have flown IFR aircraft like the B200 and others a significant amount as well. I like the modern gadgetry but still believe that a good grounding in basic airman skills will never go astray. As is being competent on instruments with a good but basic analogue IFR panel.

ffs have all you people whinging about GPS not being 'in the syllabus' actually read it?

Have a look at NAV.8 and RNE in the MOS. Both of these units are required for CPL and PPL.

You had better hurry up . With the introduction of ADSB all ndb and possibly vor stations will be decommissioned and the VFR pilot had better invest in GPS .

The is no indication that the published list of backup VOR AND NDB beacons will be reduced any further.

In fact I have heard a rumour that the US is looking at increasing its land based navaids over concern that the US military may re-introduce dither to the GPS network.

If you are satisfied being a hack pilot, then following the magenta line will get you there. If you aspire to being an true airman then you will want to understand and be able to use all the tools in the box.

ADSB is not a navaid. It has nothing to do with the decommissioning of ground based navaids. Nor does it provide enhanced safety in the context of the Australian implementation. Nor is it required for VFR. ADS-B is a tax on IFR flying created by Australia which is the only country in the world that is mandating it for all IFR flight in all airspace types at all altitudes.

I agree there will be some around for many years to come especially NDBs. But even if there were none why would you rip out your ADF unless you needed the panel space. You can still tune in to AM broadcast stations if you are ever in a situation that you need to find your way due failure of GPS etc. Their range (especially the ABC) far exceeds any NDB. I know CASA will now be wringing their poor little hands at the thought because they are not approved nav aids but if lost at night?? Just be aware of fade out at night and double check that the signal is coming from where you think it should be,because sometimes they will relay the broadcast. Double check with other stations.Years ago during WW2 they used to plot there location off shore by trianglating the bearings to different stations.
And as a last thing they good for listening to the footy.

Some interesting comments in this thread! All aeronautical navigation uses DR as the primary method of navigation, both VFR and IFR. DR is supported by navaids and/or map reading. The CASR Part 61 MOS (vol 2) lists radio navigation as a required competency for both the PPL and CPL, there is a legal requirement to be trained to a defined level of competency before being authorised to conduct solo navex's. The approval to use PEDs as EFBs is limited to satisfy the requirement to carry charts and manuals, not as a means of navigation. It concerns me when I see aircraft fitted with multiple PEDs mounted on control columns, stuck on instrument panels and hanging off window mounts. Surely one is enough, these devices will (if they haven't already) lead to accidents as the result of distractions, like mobile phones in cars are.

The Backup Navigation Network has about 50 sites where there will be co-located VOR + DME + NDB, or VOR + DME, or DME + NDB.
There will only be about 60 standalone NDBs.

roundsounds,

Given that the ERCs are now RNP2, you would think that GNSS is the primary means of navigation for IFR these days.