OB429: Slant Useful and Beautiful

The hosts of Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk tackle a passionate listener's defense of his 'slant uniform' aircraft—a non-GPS, VOR-capable Cherokee—arguing that such planes are not useless, but beautiful and operationally viable in today's NAS. The episode debunks the myth that GPS is mandatory for IFR flight, emphasizing that ground-based navigation remains robust, with VORs and Victor Airways still maintained by the FAA. The hosts reveal that GPS is vulnerable to jamming and spoofing, making a satellite-only future unlikely in the near term. They also explore the idea of replacing GPS with future tech like LiDAR or advanced inertial navigation, but conclude it's impractical for general aviation due to cost and data demands. A standout moment: a controller admits to blurted-out altitude assignments during emergencies, urging fellow controllers to pause and think before reacting. The discussion ends with a spirited debate on map orientation—north up vs. track up—where the hosts champion track up for real-time navigation, especially in low-altitude VFR flying, while acknowledging north up’s value for air traffic coordination and big-picture planning.