Andrew Sarangan wrote:
This question is directed at student pilots and flight instructors.

How many of you learn/teach cross country navigation using the
traditional methods using paper charts, protractors, E6B and
navigation logs?

Neither student nor teacher, but I was a student not so long ago (4yrs)
and that is how I was taught. With my trusty E6B and just what all those
numbers mean.

The cool thing about learning how to flight plan that way is that it
teaches you all the underlying principles behind navigation. Plus it
builds a foundation for going on to advanced ratings. Take something
like WCA. How could you do a 1 minute hold if you didn't understand how
to calculate wind correction? Likewise for emergency planning, how much
fuel do I have, can I make that field? You have to know all the numbers
from the POH to do that. So it is good stuff. Lastly it satisfies the
FAR 91.103 PIC, BEFORE beginning a flight shall become familiar with all
available information concerning the flight. Grabbing a printout from
some flight planning service doesn't qualify in my mind. Of course,
"familiar" is vague. I'm sure the lawyers on this list will parse that
ad nauseum.

KC