I agree with Bret Koebbe’s assertions in Flying Magazine’s article entitled How NextGen is Changing IFR Flying.  As (instrument rated) private pilots, we now have access to services that were once only available to the pilots flying the larger commercial aircraft.  For example:

• I love having Foreflight on my iPad recommend routing to me based on previous routes cleared by ATC
• I love filing my flight plan from my iPad
• I love having weather information on my iPad for my route of flight

But, this technology can also make us complacent as pilots.  In the event of failures of various systems, for example, we must still be able to fly using the traditional six pack of (dial) instruments!  I take advantage of NextGen services and technology every time I fly.  But i still practice flying “the old fashioned way” as well.

I must admit, though, that he seems disinterested in the topic at hand.

I think my cat, Hesston (named based on Disney’s Ella Enchanted and NOT a misspelling of Charlton’s surname), gets more water on his face than he ingests!

An 80s-themed “back to school” photo of my dog, Tuppence.