Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
The US flight-training industry fears that a problem may be emerging because students trained on older aircraft, which have no satellite-navigation equipment, are unfamiliar with the global-positioning system (GPS).
The US National Air Transportation Association (NATA), representing flight schools, has appealed for information on GPS training aids. NATA's flight-training committee believes that there is an issue with "-a growing lack of instructional and general knowledge-in the use of GPS.
"Students are being trained in older-generation aircraft that do not have GPS equipment. In many cases, it is impossible for students to receive instruction on GPS programming and use since many certified flying instructors have little experience," NATA says.
The Association says that US Federal Aviation Administration examiners are expecting students to demonstrate proficiency in GPS use when their final check-ride takes place in an aircraft equipped with a GPS navigator.
Source: Flight International
