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Questions/concerns about using technology in the cockpit

Asked by: 2305 views , ,
General Aviation, Private Pilot

I'm a rusty pilot, getting back into the swing of things.  I've flown only a few hours since getting my ticket in 1993, the last of which were in 2003 or so.  Since that time, aviation technology has advanced quite a bit, obviously.  I'm a tech guy with degrees in computer engineering and computer science and I love technology but I have a built-in distrust of said technology, especially in situations where a tech failure is a very serious problem.

Some observations/questions:

My assumption is that there are very few hard, in-flight failures of FAA certified equipment which the typical private pilot would have difficulty handling well enough to safely get back on the ground.  In general, is this a safe assumption?

During and after my primary training, I was never concerned about failures with VOR stations or equipment.  Was my trust in VOR navigation unwarranted?  Is my distrust of newer technology unwarranted?

With the retirement of VOR stations, I assume that GPS technology is generally considered to be at least as reliable as VOR equipment for navigation in VMC.  Is that correct?

Should I be concerned enough to invest in portable backup equipment?

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2 Answers



  1. Koehn on Oct 02, 2018

    GPS and VOR are both very reliable, provided you’re diligent about checking NOTAMS first. Both are subject to maintenance and testing.

    Most pilots carry an EFB in the form of a tablet with up to date charts, plates, A/FD. In addition to being an excellent planning aid and boon to situational awareness, they can also be a vital backup instrument in the event of a loss of ship’s power. Some include HITS functionality and can help you find the airport in difficult conditions.

    Of course EFBs are not primary navigation devices and you shouldn’t trust your life to them when you have functioning certified equipment available. By and large the new world is vastly safer and simpler than the old. Enjoy it!

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  2. KDS on Oct 04, 2018

    QUESTION: Should I be concerned enough to invest in portable backup equipment?

    ANSWER: From the movie Vacation with Chevy Chase. As the tow truck driver says, “How much money ya’ got?”

    I’m not so old that I flew before there were electronic navigation aids, but I did have over 100 hours before I ever used one. It really is possible to live without anything more sophisticated than a compass (and I’ve even had that go bad on me). Anything extra is a luxury, so the question is how much luxury do you want and can you afford.

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