On Wed, 30 Nov 2005 23:03:15 -0500, Wizard of Draws
wrote:

The recent GPS/IFR discussions here got me to thinking. I generally fly an
Arrow, equipped with a Garmin 430, 2 VORs, Loran, my handheld GPS, my
sectionals, low enroute charts, and since I got my IFR ticket, I try to fly
under ATC control as often as possible to keep my comm skills up.

On cross county flights, I fiddle with the VORs and cross check my location,
I set the Loran (if it's working that day), etc. In other words, for
navigation, I use everything inside and out the cockpit that is operational.

Which one is considered primary?

What do *you* mean by "primary"?

I don't see "primary" defined in either 1.1 or the P/CG in the sense of
navigation equipment. However, there is this quote from the AIM which may
be applicable to your situation. Note that the use of GPS as "primary"
(from an FAA point of view) depends on where you are using it:

"...The FAA has granted approval for U.S. civil operators to use properly
certified GPS equipment as a primary means of navigation in oceanic
airspace and certain remote areas. Properly certified GPS equipment may be
used as a supplemental means of IFR navigation for domestic en route,
terminal operations, and certain instrument approach procedures (IAPs). "

Also:

"VFR and hand-held GPS systems are not authorized for IFR navigation,
instrument approaches, or as a primary instrument flight reference. During
IFR operations they may be considered only an aid to situational
awareness."


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)