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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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Posts: 47,164
Sorry, but this sounds to me like more chicken-little fear. I don't see any reason to ban GPS receivers, nor do I see them as having even a minuscule connection to security or safety.
I think the previous posts have already said it best - aircraft have windows and many also have moving maps for inflight use. People on the ground can track flights, and any pilot worth his/her salt can learn to use the complex HSI/'glass' navigation systems on commercial jets. Also, many of the older jets without updated panels (DC9s, 732s,733s, etc.) DO have plain Jane VOR/NDB receiving capabilities for basic radio navigation.
Let's not forget the availability of aviation charts and maps which can be used for visual navigation in VFR conditions.