As far as I am concerned, my PDA is my verification
for the math I am doing in my head. I use Glide Navigator
II software linked to my Cambridge Model 20 and GPS-Nav
display. The PDA acts like a moving map and will give
you pretty close to exact distances to turnpoints,
airports and so on. It also tells me if I am with in
final glide to a safe landing area. It also comes in
handy while in thermals as it shows x's every few seconds
which can help you stay in a thermal or other forms
of lift.
Granted, I have a great deal of respect for the pilots
who were competing pre PDA's. The work loads during
a contest must have been insane at times.....
Also, the PDA is only as good as the equipment and
software you are using so do a lot of research. It
is also best to download as many of the programs to
demo them as possible. I also recommend speaking with
other pilots in your group about what they are using
and the pro's and con's that they have come across.
Best of luck,
Brian
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