Doug wrote:

Just to interject a comment here. Use of a handheld to supplement other
instruments, or even to supplement radar vectors, under IFR flight
rules, is what I would call a gray area of FAA rules.

It's not gray. You are on a vector.


On the one hand
it's not really expressly PROHIBITED. But it's not expressly permitted
either. The OFFICIAL word, because of liability and the FAA's history
of wanting things to be certified, is you can't do it. But because
handhelds do function as useful navigation devices quite well, the
UNOFFICIAL rule is, if it works, you can do it.

Not correct. The FAA isn't going to list everything you can do to help
yourself stay aware in the cockpit, that would be ridiculous. If
hanging a pencil by a string from the overhead vent helps you fly your
assigned heading then do it. But you still gotta fly the assigned heading.



It's not much different than using a handheld VOR (which exist and do
work) for VOR navigation. But since GPS works so much better, and
almost all aircraft flown IFR have VORs , the subject doesn't get
questioned.

As long as the GPS can keep you on the centerline. Many airways have
intersections with slight turns, some with large turns. This makes it
harder to use a GPS for airways if the GPS doesn't have the airways in
the database.



What ATC wants is for you to be able to fly your clearance. Its really
up to you how you do it.

Right, ATC doesn't get into enforcement. You can very easily, and much
more accurately, fly an NDB approach with a handheld GPS. But it ain't
legal. Same with direct using a handheld. Your beef will be with FSDO.



Things would start falling apart though, if there were an accident, and
the accident could be atrributed to incorrect navigation on the part of
the pilot using the handheld device. I am sure the FAA would see a
violation on that. I've seen a few FAA violations after accidents, and
they can violate the pilot, oh yes they can, and do. And they just do
it and you don't have much recourse. They will find some reason.

They don't have to go fishing for a reason. These FSDO guys get out in
the field and visit us in the tower also. They see things and then they
investigate, no accident necessary.



But so long as you keep your mouth shut, fly your clearance, and don't
cause problems, there is no citation.

Maybe. Maybe not.