On Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:42:56 -0500, Peter Clark
wrote:

On Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:37:18 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote:



My questions a

1. For those who fly instruments behind a glass panel, is the depiction of
the G1000 in MS Flight Simulator close to accurate? Is it REALLY that
easy?

Yes and no. There are a number of functions in the G1000 which are
missing from MSFS. The depictions and moving maps do make life much
easier, especially when coupled with an autopilot which can couple and
do procedure turns and holds which are part of an instrument approach
(missed approach hold, hold-in-lieu of a procedure turn).

The flight director is not implemented in every G1000 out there.

2. Assuming that it is, has the FAA considering a new, simplified curriculum
for obtaining an IR in a glass cockpit?

I seriously doubt it. They'd have to have a restriction to G1000, or
restriction to Avydine (like the old centerline thrust thing) and i
doubt there's any interest in re-writing that part of part 61.

Actually it's the other way around. There is serious consideration to
require additional training for glass panel use. The reason being, too
many pilots jump in with little or no training and attempt to use
everything right off the bat.

Not all controls are intuitive and trying to learn to insert, change
and delete waypoints while in the clouds is not considered to be a
good thing..
The training I've seen is cumbersome and can be confusing as again
they try to teach everything in a short course.

Flying behind a glass panel is very easy. The scan is simpler than
steam gages as everything is "right there" and well laid out. Some
pilots do have a major problem changing their thinking to the new
layout. I have no problems with it or timing an approach with a
digital watch just reading the numbers (not a countdown timer) while
others find it impossible.

Just spend time flying VFR behind one, then add functions one at a
time after studying the manual or Garmin simulator. Taken stepwise
it's an easy undertaking. Taken all at once it can be overwhelming.

It's when you try to use all of the major functions that the need for
training, spending time working with the Garmin simulator, or better
yet, study then go out with a safety pilot so you can spend time with
your "head in the cockpit" learning hands on.

Renting may be a royal pain as some require you know how to do
"everything" before they'll even let you take it out VFR.

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