wrote:

Having borrowed Erik's Garmin GPS MAP 76
several times for contest backup, and having evaluated the
alternatives, I bought my own recently ($160 delivered on eBay). It's
completely self contained, produces an IGC file (using SeeYou)--albeit
not a secure one--that is usually indistinguishable from the one in my
primary flight recorder, allows me to upload the contest database, and
has a nice display, with a built in U.S. roads and towns database.

The last point is the only real concern I have: if my primary recorder
fails, I'll be relying on GPS altitude for starts, special-use airspace
clearances, etc. So long as I know about it, I just have to pay
attention to the GPS readout. But GPS and pressure altitude vary
anywhere from a few feet to many hundreds of feet.

The GPSMAP 76S has the barometric sensor, at least OLC thinks so,
according to the online flight display.

Or is it the straight 76 that you bought?



Jack