Dave,

I actually agree with your points. In fact, many of the points that you
make are ones that I make in my chapters on navigation in both of my texts
at www.cockpitgps.com.

The only thing that I substantially disagree with you is in that I disagreed
with you in the first place. In answer to the comment: "I don't see how
you can say one method is 'not correct'." I had actually written that your
original post was "not incorrect." I apologize for the double negative, but
my intent was to emphasize that I was not contradicting your original post
so the double negative seemed appropriate in context. I feel confident in
my ability to navigate with a GPS. However, I have never bragged about my
writing abilities.

My point is that although old methods of navigation based on cross track
error are still correct, the GPS gives a unique capability to more
accurately find a very precise heading to compensate for winds and cross
currents because of its ability to sense an actual track.

I think that cross track error is a very useful and at times essential piece
of data. I see the method that you describe and the method that I describe
as being complimentary, not contradictory.

--John Bell, www.cockpitgps.com