Since I just went through this decision I'll humbly add my thoughts
on
this subject....
If you can afford one of the expensive units with built in airport
database then obviously you don't need to worry about which unit to
buy- find one you like and go at it.... but...
If you're like me and don't want to spend over a couple hundred bucks
on a GPS then I think you'll really like the $149 units you can pick
up at WalMart.
My GPS12 *WILL* read any speed and altitude (not limited to 99knots,
etc.) and when combined with a map will give me *all* the information
I need for XC flying.
I've compared my new, less expensive, unit with other local pilot's
older "aircraft" units and many times it would lock on to satellites
in places and conditions that theirs wouldn't. GPS technology has
come a long way in the last few years.
Sure I have to put in the waypoints but that is something I *should*
be looking at anyway (it only takes about 20 seconds a waypoint)
since
I plan my XC so I know the airports that I will be flying near
(runway
length, fuel availability, etc.)
Even in my relatively short flying lifetime I've seen too many pilots
with fancy GPS units just take off and start flight planning in the
air. Sooner or later it will catch up with them!
As far as my unit finding the closest airport in an emergency....
well
IMHO that should be done with your MAP and not your GPS.... even if
your GPS *does* find the closest airport what it does NOT tell you is
that mountain, tower, or other obstacle in between (well most GPS's
don't anyway.) And if you don't have "time" to look at your map,
well
then you're probably too far from the airport anyway and better start
looking for that long straight road or field!
Anyway, to sum up, buy whatever unit you want but just do us all a
favor (for the Coupe's reputation) and use your GPS wisely!
I'll get off the pulpit now... ;-)
Joa
N94432 '50 415G
Taking my practical Thursday!!!!!!!!!!
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