Airplane Ownership

When the picture includes terrain data to help you get home safely on IFR
days in the mountains, it is pretty indeed.

Your point is well taken, though. Moving map GPS and MFDs can be addictive
and cause one to lose some pilotage and simple radio navigation skills.

--snip--

It is nice to see pictures and things in the airplane, but not at that
price. (I also have seen too many people become way too dependent on the
pretty moving map that they have no idea what to do if it is not there. )

Sometimes I think we all just reflexively feel that use of the newest
technology erodes older, somehow more valuable skills. Radio navigation
eroding our pilotage skills, ADFs and VOR eroding LF range skills (whatever
they were), GPS eroding VOR skills, MFDs eroding our eyesight...

I flew 100 to 300 mile glider cross countries for 5+ years exclusively by
pilotage. No radio navigation, no dead reckoning, often over unfamiliar
terrain and at low altitudes. It was challenging, I got very good at it,
and it all disappeared when the first GPS units hit the scene. Didn't miss
it for a second and the sport became even more fun. There's nothing noble
about not using the best technology when operating a machine... and I fly a
tailwheel.

I question how many pilots with an electrical system actually have any
appreciable pilotage skills. Or how many actually practice their dead
reckoning skills. And why is navigating by VOR somehow more meaningful than
by GPS?

I think the real skill gap lies in the fact that too many pilots fly
equipment that they have not fully trained on or are proficient with. Using
a panel mount GPS unit effectively requires more skill, not less.
..
"SJC Flying Club"
Your point is well taken, though. Moving map GPS and MFDs can be
addictive
and cause one to lose some pilotage and simple radio navigation skills.

It is nice to see pictures and things in the airplane, but not at that
price. (I also have seen too many people become way too dependent on
the
pretty moving map that they have no idea what to do if it is not
here. )