IFR use of handheld GPS
Ron Lee wrote:
A primary reason that handheld/VFR GPS units are not acceptable for
VFR use is that they not not include an integrity capability. That is
essential for IFR ops.
Ron Lee
Sure, sounds good, but then if the FAA regulated by reason, NDB
approaches would have been made illegal long ago. I would bet many
more people have been injured and killed because of crappy ADFs and
just plain inaccurate old technology than by using a handheld GPS unit
while flying enroute. Even VORs don't have much for "integrity
monitoring," just that dumb little flag. I've seen many inaccurate VOR
readings and some outright failures without the flag showing red.
I've also seen handheld GPSs fail, too. But, in general, they are
probably more accurate and dependable than VOR and ADF.
Peter
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