alternate GPS

[RV-10 BUILDER WANNA_BE]

Do car type or phone type gps systems work while flying? If so, why not use the one of these as a backup?

[Brantel]

Not sure about phone but portable GPS's work fine in an airplane. The problem is they don't have any aviation database in them.

[Mike S]

While they may work, the database wont be of much use to a pilot in the air.

But, strictly as a backup, it could at least give you an idea of where you are

[pierre smith]

......quite often, actually. Several years ago, I used a cheapie Magellan ($139.00) as primary to fly a 150 mile trip.

It's just a spoiler to have a 496 with the entire AOPA flight manual in its database..Nearest towns, ARTCC freqs, airports, FSS's. real-time weather...etc....a real little wonder.

Regards,