On Jan 10, 12:03*pm, Stealth Pilot
wrote:

the problem I had was that portable GPS units are in almost universal
use in private aircraft. you would have to have been living in a cave
not to have noticed.

Yeah, I know. I have a giant database of most aircraft flying today,
both old, and especially, the new ones that I desire. Although, the
172 trainer I use doesn't have one in it. And I see the typical 2
screen
configuration that comes with all the "good makes", especially the
nice composite planes.

Really what I might have asked (which is now answered) is what might
the drawbacks be of using a new handheld gps system which is not
aviation specific.

I still use my Garmin GPS2plus which hasnt got a moving map display.
I use it like an ADF.

hmm. This unit I got is a Lowrance. It seems fairly sophisticated,
and with the ability to add specific "cards", it can be software
modified to fit specific needs. But as was already pointed out,
it might just turn into a useless piece of plastic at 120kts.

aviation compatible GPS units commonly track 12 satellites
simultaneously.

mine tracks 10

have a look at the garmin website and you will see the mainstream
products.

Right. Hopefully the next GPS I get will not only be top of the
line aviation specific, but will come wrapped in an airplane.

earlier gps units not for aviation couldnt work with speeds over 100
knots. that was their main limitation. this limitation has probably
been removed from most designs now.

Actually that was one of my main concerns. The improvements
would need to be with reception and calculating speed to track
vectors. I figured no salesperson would know or admit that the
unit wouldn't work over 100 kts.

my mother has a good sense of humour, she enjoys pulling legs.

She was very nice. I was especially impressed with the stalactitic
decorum of your old room.

Stealth Pilot-

---
Mark