A few more thoughts on cross country trips: I NEVER use my GPS as my primary navigation device. If it quits, I'd be lost. I use my finger on the line on the chart, and try to know exactly where I am every minute of the flight. I use the GPS for a backup. Also, I subscribe to Flight Guide www.flightguide.com, and carry their little book whenever I fly cross country flights. It gives all the airport information, much more than you can find on a chart. This is something else that can keep your passenger busy.
I have nothing but profound respect for this. My most favorite book is Flight of Passage by Rinker Buck (a memoir of two brothers, 15 & 17 who restored a Cub and flew it coast to coast in the early 60s - perhaps more about family dynamics than flying, but I read the thing 4 times). They went NJ -> CA and back strictly via pilotage. I learned on VORs & pilotage and hated the VORs. I used a Garmin 96C to bring my "new" old 'Coupe from Wis. to RI last spring and it totally spoiled me. My wife insisted I get a back-up and I lucked out on eBay with a 2nd 96C for $300. So, I figure I have 2 fine GPS units, VOR in my handheld, a radio (flying my student long cross country, a controller was really sweet in getting me to my next airport), and, of course, beloved pilotage. So, GPS has spoiled me, and I'm a happy pig in the mud. While I was burning an oil lamp last night 'cause I like it, I use electricity for the most part - like right now. They say you can never go back (whatever that means).
Beach
