john smith wrote:

I would add that you would actually be better off with GPS while you do your training.


I assume John meant "without GPS". I would agree - the situational awareness the map provides is
great, but it is a bit of a crutch - figuring it out based on the separate traditional instruments is good
practice.

One other point not mentioned: If you go ahead and get the GPS now, you will be expected to be
proficient in its use on your checkride. If you wait until later, you can decide what your needs are and then
learn to use whatever you buy on your own schedule. I went this route - on my checkride I did an NDB,
ILS and VOR approach. Then added a GPS later. I've often thought it would have been a mixed blessing -
I would have had to really learn the GPS to be ready for the checkride, but OTOH flying the GPS
approaches with the map is very easy compared to an NDB approach. (and I suppose learning that NDB
technique when the ADF isn't even in my panel anymore was somewhat of a wasted effort at this point.)

Mike