Agreed.

Seems to me that if you want to fly beyond local pattern hops, you need
to be skilled in basic navigation (i.e. using a map and compass), and an
electronic navigation system (GPS if you have it, something less like a
VOR or ADF if you are flying something with lesser equipment.)

On the other hand, you should be proficient in using whatever is
installed in the aircraft or perhaps it should be turned off.

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
vincent p. norris wrote:

The statement that using a GPS is a "skill" is almost humorous. Using
a GPS demands only slightly more skill than turning on an electric
light.



Exuse me for cutting in but I have to utter a hearty "Bull****!".

I was out of flying for 15 years after flying every day for various part 135
outfits. Let me tell you, today's panel looks different from what I was used
to. I climbed into a retrofitted C-172 for my BFR last year when I started
flying again and found that although I had several hundred hours in C-172s that
I couldn't figure out the panel. I could fly the airplane just fine... but I
couldn't figure out how to change frequencies, etc. The primary radio in that
airplane happened to be a Garmin 430.

I ended up taking dual *just* on the Garmin; then buying a manual and installing
a GPS sim on my computer. I learned how to do a few things with it but don't
fly enough any more to retain the lesser used functions. I probably only use
10% of what that GPS is capable of doing.

Don't tell me that operating the GPS doesn't require skills.

I say that while still remembering how to navigate with just a map and the
compass and I can still fly a very decent ILS or ADF approach. Those require
skills too... just different ones.