Have you ever...

Jay Honeck wrote:

Totally different point. Of course VORs are necessary for IFR flight
training, and of course they should be a major part of the written.

My point was that I don't argue from a "because it's what I'm used to"
perspective. I'm quite comfortable with GPSs, having flown behind a couple
of BK models and the Garmin 430.

The topic is what could we eliminate from the Private, in order to make
flying more accessible to all?

The planes in which I did my PPL didn't have GPS. They couldn't even be
counted upon to have two working VORs...or even two working COMMs. A VOR
was the only electronic navaid available in those aircraft.

Upgrade the entire fleet, and I might be taking your side of the argument
(actually, it would be moot {8^). But as long as VORs are actually in the
aircraft (and I don't mean a fancy VOR-exploiting moving map RNAV type
machine {8^), the pilots flying those should learn them.

- Andrew

Upgrade the entire fleet, and I might be taking your side of the argument
(actually, it would be moot {8^). But as long as VORs are actually in the
aircraft (and I don't mean a fancy VOR-exploiting moving map RNAV type
machine {8^), the pilots flying those should learn them.

I agree 100% that a pilot should learn to use EVERYTHING in the panel. But
does this specialized knowledge need to be tested on the Private written
exam? Are there questions about using audio panels on the Private written?
Intercoms? Auto pilots?

I guess that's really the crux of the issue. Should we be testing new
Private pilots to make sure they are safe fliers, or should we be testing
them to some level beyond that?

I would contend that in the year 2005 navigation via VORs rests squarely in
the "optional knowledge" category, and should not be on the Private written.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Jay Honeck wrote:

I agree 100% that a pilot should learn to use EVERYTHING in the panel.
But does this specialized knowledge need to be tested on the Private
written
exam? Are there questions about using audio panels on the Private
written?
Intercoms? Auto pilots?

If APs or Audio Panels were sufficiently standard, they might appear. VORs
are sufficiently standard.

The idea is to save expense and time, I'd think. Testing on a written is
cheaper for everyone involved than testing in the air (ie. a checkride).

[...]
I would contend that in the year 2005 navigation via VORs rests squarely
in the "optional knowledge" category, and should not be on the Private
written.

Even when victor airways were "the" way to navigate, plenty still got by
with eyes, maps, and clocks. So, in theory, VORs have *always* been
optional. Apparently, that's not sufficient to keep them off.

- Andrew

"Andrew Gideon" wrote in message
agonline.com...
Upgrade the entire fleet, and I might be taking your side of the argument
(actually, it would be moot {8^).

Actually, I believe that the FAA could probably upgrade every plane in the
US with a GPS for what it spends in yearly VOR maintenance and operation...