On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 11:52:31 -0800, "C J Campbell"
wrote:

I would hate to have to rely on a handheld GPS in such an emergency,
though
of course it would be welcome as better than nothing.

Actually, it is DRAMATICALLY better than nothing. It is more accurate,
more precise, and more reliable than any NDB and most VOR's.

NDB, yes. VOR, highly questionable.

The fact that a GPS is handheld has little to do with its accuracy.

With WAAS enabled, most handhelds are good to 10meters, and all GPS
are better than 100m accurate. Throw in the pseudo-HSI displays, and
I guarantee I can fly a more accurate emergency approach (assuming the
AI is still working ok) with the handheld GPS than I can with an NDB,
VOR, or LOC alone.

Where the handheld lacks is reliability, influenced by factors like:
no RAIM, lack of permanent antenna installations. Having said that,
I have flown with a Garmin 295 for 3 or 4 years now, and it is
accurate and reliable.

Would I launch into IMC with known electrical problems - of course
not. However, the odds having having a total electrical failure +
G295 failure + Iow IMC are small enough that I believe the risk to
flight caused by navigation/electrical failure is much lower than
mechanical failure or pilot error.

-Nathan