Although GPS receivers are complex computers capable of many functions, this instructors guide is designed for teaching the student only those functions necessary to enable him/her to depart from point A, navigate to point B, hold at point B, carry out an approach, overshoot and go to the alternate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The guide is designed for GPS receivers that have been certified for IFR operations in accordance with Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-129. However, instructors may find it useful for instructing students on other non TSO C-129 certified GPS receivers.
Instructors will find that a combination of classroom instruction and hands on training will work best in teaching students how to operate a GPS receiver. It is recommended that an introductory flight with the instructor demonstrating the receiver and its capabilities will help give the student an appreciation for the level of skill required to operate the receiver efficiently and safely. The use of a GPS simulator or the actual receiver in simulation or "take-home mode" is highly recommended. Time spent in the classroom will pay dividends in the air.
Try hard not to overwhelm the student with facts and figures about the GPS system in general. Teach them the basics and instill the desire to learn more about the system on their own. It is assumed that once the student is proficient in conducting the basic operations, he/she will have a thirst to learn the other functions of the receiver as opposed to just using the receiver as a "Direct-to box".
Throughout the training it should be stressed that only approaches retrieved from the database are approved for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight. Instructors shall discourage students from inventing their own approaches and shall not demonstrate how to create or fly a user invented approach at any time.