(Snowbird) writes:
Well, just to clarify my views: a handheld GPS in the flightbag
is next to useless. It has to be set up, turn on, and acquired
at the beginning of the flight to have practical value if things
go south.

Hmm, I think my computer ate my first attempt at replying to
this, so I'll try again.

Can you expand on this position? I keep a GPS in my flightbag
with the thought that if I had a total electrical failure in
IMC that I could climb/circle/continue on course as appropriate
using the vacuum instruments during the five minutes it would
take to have the GPS out and knowing its position.

While I can imagine that this would not be adequate in some
circumstances (such as mountainous terrain) it seems good enough
for most of the flying I do in the northeast.

Is there something I'm missing that you feel would be a major
hazard while getting the GPS out should I ever find myself in this
situation?

--
David Rind