Glass Cockpit, The G1000, and Transition Training

Glass Cockpit, The G1000, and Transition Training


Are you curious about the new glass cockpits available in general aviation aircraft?  There have only been a few major changes in general aviation in the last 50 years, and this is one of them.  In 2003 both Garmin and Avidyne came on board with their versions of the glass cockpit.  Cessna, Cirrus, and many other aircraft now come equipped with the glass cockpit as standard equipment.

The PFD (Primary Flight Display) has all relevant information for the flight on one panel display, except for the engine instruments which are on the MFD (Multifunction Display). You can do everything on the PFD, including enter and modify your flight plan, monitor your position on the moving map, monitor other aircraft, enter all com and nav frequencies, get to the nearest airport, waypoint and other nav information features, and still fly the airplane monitoring all of your flight instruments.  You can also refer to the MFD for fuel and engine monitoring, and the large moving map with its many additional features such as terrain awareness and traffic advisory systems. The large panel display screens make it easy to monitor lots of information. 



PFD



 

The G1000 offers increased safety through multiple backups for critical components, and a standby battery with standby instruments similar to the level of safety the airlines incorporate.

 

MFD

Your transition training will include sessions in the Frasca G1000 simulator for familiarization with the glass panels and the associated buttons and knobs.  You will also start developing your scan for the tape style instrument displays by flying the simulator.  The C172 SP G1000 has a few additional startup and operational procedures.  Once familiar, the main focus of the training will be to develop an understanding and proficiency in your scan and operation while flying the airplane safely.

To gain a thorough understaning of the G1000, I highly recommend Max Trescott's "G1000 Glass Cockpit Handbook" on his blog at "Trends Aloft".

Sue Ballew

http://www.skytrekker.net/