Wed Apr 11, 2018 10:07 pm
#1604060
Whether we think that GNSS signals, or the technology behind them, are robust or not - they can fail.
There are a whole bunch of backups for when that happens - declaring lost on RT, VOR+/-DME, even ADF for the masochistic purists.
But one backup is, and should always be there - basic pilotage, comprising situational awareness, a paper chart (or even a chart on a tablet with a "GPS has failed" cross across it), a good old fashioned PLOG, and most times and places - looking out of the window at the ground.
Bluntly, but sincerely - anybody incapable of working out where they are and getting somewhere safe and sensible if most of the electronics go tits up (particularly flying VFR) should not be putting themselves in charge of an aircraft, any aircraft, until they've sorted their basic piloting skills out.
Doesn't have to be easy, efficient, or even enjoyable (although many of us do quite enjoy the challenge of flying VFR nav competently) - but it's a skillset we should all have.
Faffing about with exotic expensive technologies is absolutely no substitute for maintaining basic flying skills.
Sorry, bit of a rant there, had to get it off my chest.
G
I am Spartacus, and so is my co-pilot.