Originally Posted by
CRM114
What am I missing? You can't plot a straight course line and fly a wind corrected heading using pilotage?
I think it's a fair question to ask if you have an instrument rating, if not, what's the big deal to practice skill that should fundamental? I'd also echo the comments about "it's their plane, don't like it go somewhere else". Either agree to the policy and abide by it, or don't and go somewhere else.
There are tons of ways to safely operate and aircraft, but If you're looking to work as a pilot at some point, get used to flying you're employer's way. You'll find it to be a very short career if you fly your way because you know best, or a policy is a hassle, or whatever. If that's truly your attitude, you can stay outta my cockpit also.
Why are you beating up on this guy. Nobody plots a course anymore - fixes are entered into the FMC and it draws a magenta line to your destination. Have you seen what Garmin has done for General Aviation?
They are making VOR's practically obsolete. Sure, it's good practice but if you want to practice something that will do you some good in the future, learn "Glass" - Boeing FMC stuff and know it inside and out because if your ultimate goal is flying for an airline, you'll need this (don't bother with Airbus glass because the bus is junk :-) ) But your point about doing what your employer tells you, like how to fly their airplanes. But give the guy a break, he wants to increase his situational awareness NOT his workload.