Points in Space

The first GPS I used in the air was a Garmin 95 portable. Brick-shaped and nearly brick-sized, its etch-a-sketch screen was a still a revelation. We could go direct to airway fixes and watch the little black pixels approach just as the CDI needles swung to center. This was back when we taught instrument students how to eyeball a course direct to a fix defined by two VOR radials.

jwanwest

Friday, July 14, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article outlines a challenging IFR simulator scenario from KSHN to KPWT under severe weather conditions, designed to test and enhance pilot precision in complex navigation, approaches, and missed approaches.
It contrasts traditional VOR-based navigation with modern GPS/RNAV, demonstrating that while GPS offers advantages, a strong understanding of both systems and traditional skills remains critical for IFR proficiency.
The scenario emphasizes the importance of pilot situational awareness, anticipating wind effects, efficient navigation source management, and adopting structured "fix crossing discipline" (e.g., CAPERS) for safe and effective instrument flight.

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The first GPS I used in the air was a Garmin 95 portable. Brick-shaped and nearly brick-sized, it’s etch-a-sketch screen was a still a revelation. We could go direct to airway fixes and watch the little black pixels approach just as the CDI needles swung to center. This was back when we taught instrument students how to eyeball a course “direct” to a fix defined by two VOR radials.

That technique has been rendered both unnecessary and verboten by RNAV and regulation respectively, but skills in intercepting fixes and radials are still required for IFR aplomb. Hitting fixes is what this challenge is all about. It’s a twist-fest if you don’t have a GPS. It should keep you moving even if you do. Either way, serious situational awareness is the key, so let’s chair-fly it before powering up the simulator.