On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 15:08:56 -0500, Andrew Gideon
wrote:

I was staring at the VOR-head during a flight a while back, and started
wondering why we only use half of it most of the time. Whether by GPS or
VOR, the CDI provides us with lateral navigation. But the glide slope
needle sits unused until the very end of the flight (if then {8^).

Why?

Using older technology, why not have an altitude bug and let the bug and
altimeter feed the GS needle, providing VNAV information en route?

Will WAAS-ified GPSs be able to drive the GS needle en route?

Not trying to be argumentative, but a simple look at the altimeter
provides all the info you need to know. I do not see much value add
by having a GS needle tell me I am 100 feet too high (enroute), when I
can look at the altimeter and get the same info.

Another issue: The setting of the enroute cruise altitude introduces
an opportunity for error - where the pilot sets the wrong cruise
altitude.

Of course, this issue already exists with the more advanced altitude
preset autopilots. I wonder if setting the wrong altitude is a
problem with those?

-Nathan