[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by barney911rs

Only flight sim enthusiast , but is using a GPS really cheating? As new technology comes along, why not learn to use it and take advantage of it. Not saying they should not learn to use the NAV radios. When those were first put in planes I'm sure the "old guard" said that was cheating from what they had to use to navigate.

The problem with GPS and the new modern instruments is that the younger pilots usually seem to rely on them far too much and when they fail, they are in a world of hurt.

Us old timers were taught to look out the window and figure out where you were by "pilotage" that is looking at the countryside and things in it, then figuring out on the map. Looking at water towers with the city name on it, railroads and highways and such going in a certain direction, lakes, rivers and natural formations.

I seem to find that the new pilots in my plane put 100% faith into the EFIS and GPS instruments and almost never look outside. When doing a checkride I cover the tube up and ask them where they are and they usually are totally lost. Hand them a map and make them look outside and figure it out. Its just like the old days where you did a night landing or four and then the instructor turns the lights off in the cockpit and makes you do a couple more, using your senses only for airspeed and altitude. Humbling at times but there very well may be a time when the power goes out on the airplane or instrument and you have to improvise. Knowing what to do BEFORE this happens is a good thing.

The GPS is a wonderful tool. Use it together with your other assets in the plane and your skull to make the flight a safer and better one.