Anyone who thinks using a GPS correctly in the context of
aerial navigation is like turning on an electric light needs some dual on the
basics of what constitutes proper flight instruction .

I have a pretty good idea of what constitutes proper flight
instruction, Dud; mine was courtesy of the United States Navy. I
understand it's generally considered a fairly rigorous program.

I take particular notice of the following comment from the same
source;

It's common knowledge that many recently trained pilots have not
learned to navigate well. It's often been discussed here."

Whether this comment is true or false in its entirety isn't my main
concern.

That is the essential notion being discussed here, Dud. You're
changing the subject. And if it's not your main concern, why do you
take particular notice of it?

Any pilot properly trained will have been taught basic piloting skills
and know how to use them.

You're begging the question, saying a properly trained pilot has been
properly trained. Duh!

Why would a brand-new private pilot who was "properly trained," and
has confidence in his ability to navigate by DR and Pilotage, think
that the first thing he needs is a GPS?

There is absolutely no basis in fact that I have seen anyway, that
pre-supposes a new pilot will use a GPS at the expense of normal
backup navigation skills.

You seem to have it backwards. It's the GPS that is supposed to be
the "backup."

Any properly trained pilot…..

Now if we're talking improperly trained pilots........that's another
story!

We are. Some young pilots I've talked with in recent years cannot get
from here to there without using VORs. If they depend VORs to navigate
in VMC, you expect me to believe they won't depend on GPS, which is
even easier?

I strongly suspect some young CFIs are not very good at pilotage
either.

Don't forget, Dud, that 50% of all CFIs are below average. ((:-))

vince norris