On 20 Sep 2005 12:50:18 -0700, "Robert M. Gary"
wrote:

When you are getting the snot beat out of you in turbulence while
trying to dial in an approach, or change way points and discover the
plane you are in uses a different sequence of keys than what you are

used to, it can get sticky in a hurry.

Roger, this sounds more like GPS issues to me. All the glass cockpit

It's missing, but remember I'm one who says the glass cockpits are
relatively simple to learn at least when done properly in an organized
approach.

Its the difference between system configurations. There is no
standardization between manufacturers in today's glass cockpits, just
as there is none between the various GPS manufacturers. We are
fortunate that most use the same system even if it may not be the
best.

I found the editorial in this month's (Nov 2005)"Private Pilot" to be
a real disappointment. To me he sounds a lot like those who used to
be afraid of computers. We don't need a change to the PPL, but we do
need a change in people's mind set. Taken in order, computers and
glass cockpits are not difficult or complicated. They only become so
when we make them so by trying to utilize every thing right at the
start instead of taking the stuff in an incremental, logical order.

planes I'm aware of (Cirrus, 182) use the same Garmin 430 most of us

Even with the 430 you only need the basics to start.

know. The actual PFD and MFD only have a few buttons.

But Garmin isn't the only one out there.

True, if you learn one system moving between planes using the same
system should be *relatively* easy and no more difficult than moving
between the same planes with the old gauges in them.

There are really only three stages to learn and we don't have to make
it overly complicated.

The first is to have the default settings for the flight instruments.
It should take no more than 5 minutes to learn the *basic* set up.
No GPS, no VOR, just basic flight instruments and engine instruments.
(and how to get it back to that configuration in the least number of
steps.

The next step would be the radios and basic nav. No flight plans, just
basic radios, VORs or basic GPS moving map. Nearest would be nice,
but not necessary with a moving map.

The VFR student or pilot needs nothing more than this for basic
flight. They also have every thing they need to make a U-turn in case
of weather. to my way of thinking the basic pilot or student has no
business trying to learn the entire system until they have learned the
basics. Then they can learn a bit at a time.

After they are comfortable with the basic flight they can learn to put
in a flight plan and eventually add, change, or remove way points.
Lastly would be approaches.

Taken one step at a time instead of trying to learn the whole system
is far more efficient and faster. It's also less confusing and more
likely to be retained

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

-Robert
Roger