"Robert M. Gary" wrote in
oups.com:


Judah wrote:
"Jim Macklin" wrote in
news:1_9Kg.6638 $SZ3.4096@dukeread04:
The same could pretty much be said for a plane with Steam Guages and
any modern full screen GPS...

Sure, and there is nothing wrong with that. Today most pilots would say
a moving map is MEL for serious IFR (more than just local approaches).
Sure you can fly IFR with a compass and a cat ala the 1930's but who
wants to do that. A handheld, self powered, back up moving map GPS
(296, etc) should be carried aboard any GA IFR flight.

-Robert, CFII


I agree with you completely - there's nothing "macho" (or more safe, for that
matter) about not taking advantage of the equipment available to you, but it
is important to have a backup plan and be proficient enough to be able to
excercise the backup plan if an emergency comes up.

Admittedly, though, my backup GPS is not a 296, it's just a low-cost Magellan
with all the fixes as POIs - certainly enough to get by in an emergency in
combination with my ICOM A23. I also carry an extra set of AA batteries in
the flight bag...