Flight Update

[switchtech]

As for the GPS....it really is a cool toy, but during my training I tried REALLY HARD to NOT use it when I could.  I work on computers all day and was concerned that I would become too dependant on it.  During a cross country, I would set it....and forget it (sorry, couldn't resist that homage to Ron Popiel)...but seriously, I would lock in my destination then turn the viewer down and only refer to it once or twice to confirm my pilotage and DR skills with where I really was.

I am concerned about one day getting into one of those new fangled glass cockpit thingys.  I have a feeling I would end up reverting back to my MS Flight Sim days and start fixating on all the tv screens.  Hopefully I have been disciplining myself the right way (I don't use the automatic trim either...so I get used to being a "real pilot") I figure if all else fails I can always fall back on the tried and true manual skills.

See ya...

-Yuppie

Once on a solo cross country, I was sitting at the far end airport after calling the FSS to file my flight plan for the return trip.  A pilot, apparently also on a solo cross country, called on the radio for unicom.  He was slightly lost - but not really.  As he flew directly over the field, he called in for assistance finding the airport.  I figured he flew by GPS, then a new and expensive toy, and got directly over the airport.  Having not flown by pilotage, he didn't recognize the airport even though he nailed it perfectly at 2000 feet.  I called up on Unicom to let him know the airport was one mile on his six (where he was when I keyed the mike).  He never replied and never did land while I was there. 

So yeah, as cool and useful as they are, I would learn to find your way, at least for VFR without a GPS.

jbs

[chuckar101]

The glass cockpits are a little overwhelming when you first fly one.  I flew about six hours on a diamond with an instructor to yuma and back.  The problem was i flew the airplane and got us there and back while he played with the g1000, pretty neat little toy though.  As for GPS I love the situational awarness they give.  I flew back east to florida for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and would of hated not having a gps.  Me being a western boy, I like aiming at a mountain peak or using one for reference.  No mountains to look at after west texas.  Could have easily got loss if I wasnt tracking vors and using the gps

[airtac]

uhm...let me clarify that since I have come to know you people . .

I like them in very different ways! 
the first to look at the latter to EAT !! yummy

I wouldn't touch that line for a million bucks