I like this very much bet you'll get some flack on that

Maybe, but why? GPS is the most accurate form of navigation available to GA pilots, so why tit around when you can use a piece of modern technology and enjoy precise, accurate navigation? Whilst I can quite happily navigate with a map and a stopwatch, why would I when there is a vastly superior alternative available? Given the ever increasing complexity of controlled airspace in the UK and the potential consequences of infringing it one could infer that not using the technology available to you is frankly idiotic.

Unfortunately, even today a lot of pilots feel they need to include that phrase "will use it for backup only" when asking questions about GPS, for fear of being jumped on.

Personally I would use the best available tool I have for any job, consistent with being able to use alternatives if necessary.

Don't get me wrong I use a Avmap on the yoke and have memory map running caa charts running as well as I agree GPS is far more accurate and does give me more time looking outside. i do have the paper chart nearby incase I loose signal


Cheers

I fly an L4 Cub which has a perspex roof and allows a lot of light inside and currently have a Garmin E-trex which I bought for walking,cycling etc but it is not really suited for flying.
I am interested in the positive comments re the Garmin 96C,good definition in bright light,good battery life and good facilities,and don't want a large unit as it will sit on a bean bag type mount on the front seat.
Does anyone have one in the S.Norfolk/N.Suffolk area that I could look at?
Lister:)

Hi Lister, the Garmin 96c is good in most light conditions, light & thus portable, and the battery life is excellent. I just use it as a backup aid to see my progress in flight on a pre-planned VFR route. Don't expect to be able to fly and fiddle with the device - the keys are too small for that. I plan my routes using Memory Map Welcome to Memory-Map Navigation Software : Digital Maps for PCs and Pocket PCs with the digital CAA charts (excellent) and the software easily programs the Garmin. After the flight I can then upload the GPS tracks back into Memory Map to see exactly where I've been and keep as a record.

Neil,thank you,is the software easy to use?
I'm reasonably OK with PC's,laptops but not a guru.Lister:)

On my multi-week trips, I like to fly with a GPS for primary nav, and another independant GPS as backup. In addition, I'll have the chart on my lap, and keep track of position, as a worst-case backup. So far, it's worked flawlessly!

I say yes but many prefer Jeppesen's FliteStar or one of the other packages available. NavBox etc.

Agreed. FWIW I use a G296, flying around the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland etc (for info as OP said he plans flying around Europe), and have no complaints. Very clear in the 172 cockpit and the perspex of the Zlin 142. And yes, I do use it as primary navaid when going somewhere unfamiliar, particularly if using controlled airspace. I also use VOR, NDB etc as backup for enroute and stopwatch and line on a map as a final line of defence.

My challenge is remembering to make sure I keep using the map/stopwatch on a regular basis as primary nav, since the skill does decay ever so fast if you don't use it!

What we need is a line on the ground, not the map...

Garmin 296
free VRPs, etc. at VFR Waypoint Add-Ons

There is one more choice - PocketFMS - the software one can use on almost every kind of device (laptops, PDA, mobile phones, car navigation...) - I think it is worth to look at.

the resources site with the GPS VFR Waypoints Adds-On relocated to :

http://www.vfrdata.com/
http://www.vfrdata.com/

Happy & Safe Flying,

Used a 296 then replaced it with a 496 in an RV6 panel mounted. Both screens are fine in direct sunlight. Although the very early 296s had a slightly less bright screen.
I'd have to say I'm not sure the 496 is worth the extra. Yes the faster processor and a features are nice but one thing that iritates me is the addition of airways that really clutter the screen. Having said that I still prefer the garmins the fan lines at a strange airfield are a superb feature.

Years ago bought a Garmin 96 (in the - mistaken - belief that the battery life was much better than the 96c). Has gotten me across Europe, around Africa and Australia. In a word - does it what it says on the tin: works.

Doing it again today, would most likely go for the 296 (just cannot bring myself to retiring my 96......)

I'm planning on buying a map to use as a backup to my GPS. Before you all start on me, I have no intention of using it for primary nav, and it will probably just spend ages in my flight bag - hey, I bet if I ever need to use it, I'll find that I've forgotten to refill the lead in my propelling pencil !

Anyway, I've looked on all the usual web sites, but there seems to be a really confusing variety of maps to choose from - can you clever chaps help please ? Ideally I'd like to get one delivered in a plain brown wrapping in case the chaps down the club get wind of it ....

Well said Hugh!...;)

Nice one :ok:

HJ, a word of caution. The delivery method of these new-fangled "paper maps" is totally different from what you're probably used to. You see, they can't send them to your e-mail address, nor offer an internet download. They have to use something called the "postal service" where a guy in a van drives up to your property and stuffs the goods through a small slot which you're supposed to cut in your front door.

Also you don't get automatic updates on these "paper maps". You've got to order completely new ones every year and throw the old ones out.

Oh, and you need to have a "physical address" for this delivery method. If you, like most of us, live in cyberspace exclusively, you're stuffed. In that case you've got to find someone who has such a "physical address" (preferably with something called a "zip code" or "postal code") who can receive the goods for you.

And no, your "physical address" is not the same as your GPS coordinates.