I take exception to the first sentence in “Tech Tip: Take the T” in the August 2012 issue of Flight Training.�It states, “Despite a shift to GPS as the primary means of navigation….”�Years ago I was trained that keeping track of my location by being aware of my speed, altitude, direction, and time of flight is the primary means of navigation.�What do you do�if the electrical system or an electronic device�fails? I was taught to understand that all those electronic gadgets�in the cockpit were just�radio aids to navigation.�There is nothing wrong with using GPS and all the other radio and navigation tools available,�but if they fail you must have a back-up method of estimating where you are.
Martin Snyder
Dublin, California
Squat switch
In the article, “How It Works: Squat Switch,” (August 2012 Flight Training) the comment under the article’s title indicates the squat switch is a brilliant solution to a gear-up landing.�
I’m not too sure that the squat switch has anything to do with landings.�It isn’t activated until after the airplane has landed and the gear strut on which it is installed has compressed enough to separate or open the switch, having the same effect as pulling a circuit breaker and disabling the gear operating system.�That’s a good condition to have while the airplane is on the ground.
Warren Webb Jr.
Cromwell, Connecticut
Webb is correct. Although the story itself made no reference to preventing gear-up landings, the unfortunate headline did. Flight Training regrets the error. —Ed.
Rachel’s plight
I am writing in response to Rachel’s letter in the “Career Advisor” column (“A Teacher’s Conundrum,” August 2012 Flight Training).�Her story was similar to mine.�I am a retired first-grade teacher and now a full-time CFII.�
I was 36 when I began flying as a hobby.�It began with a demo flight and then I was hooked on flying.�As a public school teacher, this was a pretty expensive hobby.�I funded the lessons by decorating holiday sweatshirts and selling them to my colleagues.�
Eventually I took�a second job at�a flight school, dispatching airplanes to help pay for my flying.�While working there, I was encouraged to get my instrument rating, and later the commercial and�CFI.�For 11 years I instructed part time on weekends and full time in the summers.�Last spring I was eligible to retire at age 56�from teaching and now am flight instructing full time.�I�am�very fortunate to be able to�do what I truly love to do.
I would encourage Rachel to find a way to get into aviation and work toward her goal.�She doesn’t have to quit her day job.�It was a lot of hard work over all those years, but worth the effort.
Cheryl Ann Daml
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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