Hi -

Peter does seem to overreach a bit. A GPS that has any sort of
navigational screen such as a moving map or "nearest fix", then one
can easily determine one's position relative to a VOR or airport, in
order to yak with ATC on common terms. There are not many GPS units
that don't have that information within a button or two away. These
enhance situational awareness (as compared with VOR), not reduce it.

I hope Jay's GPS-philia doesn't also mean a strong habit for
"direct-to" rather than airway routing. Even flying VFR, I like
sticking to airways because they are generally routed away from
parachuting / training areas, MOAs, dinky little airports,
non-physical obstructions like blasting areas. They require a little
less in-depth map-reading to stay safe.


- FChE