Using a GPS for terrain avoidance

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GAHorn
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Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Using a GPS for terrain avoidance

Post by GAHorn »

AvWeb has offered a youtube video on a technique of using a portable GPS with terrain-depiction (Garmin Aera 560) to avoid terrain and negotiate "canyons" enroute to a destination. It's a really well-presented video and useful for educational purposes on how to use such a portable GPS perhaps.... but I'd like to remind everyone that a Garmin executive was killed in the Mena, AR area (low-mountains) and, while it is largely speculation, it is likely he was using such a feature on his company's product.
I wouldn't deliberately plan to make a flight relying solely upon such nifty features of a GPS. If terrain cannot be completely avoided by use of VFR techniques.... then only an enroute altitude sufficient for a 10 mile or wider corridor and/or IFR altitudes should be relied upon. (IMO)
I suppose the simulator-mode of the GPS could be used to plan such a flight to discover corridors...but remember, a portable GPS database (not officially approved for navigation) is not to be relied upon for terrain depiction. Use your current approved charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRJ1Dm2-zTw&fmt=18
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
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