In the world of modern aviation, the transition from steam gauge cockpits to glass panel avionics has revolutionized the way pilots navigate the skies. With its sleek displays and intuitive interface, glass panel avionics offer unparalleled situational awareness and precision. However, mastering these sophisticated systems requires comprehensive training and understanding. No need to fear those fancy new screens in your airplane. The Aviator’s Academy is here to guide you through everything you need to know about glass panel avionics training.
Understanding Glass Panel Avionics
Glass panel avionics, a term which covers anything from Avidyne, to Garmin, to Aspen and anything and everything glass in between, replace conventional analog gauges with digital displays. These systems consolidate flight information such as navigation, engine information, weather, and flight instruments onto high-resolution screens, providing pilots with real-time data at their fingertips.
The Importance of Proper Glass Panel Avionics Training
While glass panel avionics offer numerous benefits, they also come with a steep learning curve. Pilots must undergo thorough training to fully grasp the functionality and operation of these advanced systems. Proper training not only enhances safety but also maximizes the efficiency and capabilities of the avionics suite.
Key Training Components
- Real World Scenarios: Any glass panel training program needs to be practical. Watching videos on wiring diagrams and button pushing can put pilots to sleep at their computers. Courses centered around real world use keep the pilot connected, allowing connection with the scenario in the course. For example, how to properly program the GPS for a departure procedure with no transition.
- Cheat Sheets: Having a cheat sheet handy for certain glass panel avionics tasks that pilots don’t do very often is vital. Storing these cheat sheets on Foreflight is a no brainer, so when a crossing restriction is issued in flight, the pilot can simply pull up the cheat sheet in the Documents section of Foreflight, find the VNAV section, and set up the crossing restriction in the GPS.
- Practicality: Pilots can’t learn everything sitting in front of a computer or iPad. Practical flight training is indispensable for honing skills acquired in online courses. Go Fly! Pilots need to make sure to find a knowledgeable instructor to fly with who is emphasizing proper utilization of avionics features during takeoff, navigation, approach, and landing. This allows the pilot to put knowledge into action.
Choosing the Right Training Program
When selecting a glass panel avionics training program, consider the following factors:
- Instructor Expertise: How do you know your instructor is an expert? The Aviator’s Academy instructors have over 13,000 hours of total time, almost 3/4 of that being in glass panel airplanes. That would qualify as expertise.
- Training Aircraft: The Aviator’s Academy courses are filmed in modern aircraft in flight with glass panel avionics that translate to literally thousands of other airplanes, so, even though pilots don’t fly the airplane in the course, the button pushing and knob twisting will translate to any airplane that is similarly equipped.
- Curriculum Depth: The Aviator’s Academy courses provide comprehensive training covering all aspects of glass panel avionics.
- IPC Ground Compliance: All of The Aviator’s Academy courses meet the requirements for the Instrument Proficiency Check ground training recommendations in AC 61-98D, so once the course is complete, the pilot just needs to do the flight portion with an instructor to receive an IPC sign off. VFR only pilots are certainly invited as well. Each course has a VFR specific section and the entire course will benefit any student training for his/her IFR rating.
The Goal is Proficiency
Becoming proficient in glass panel avionics is a journey that begins with proper training. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot transitioning to glass cockpit aircraft or a student pilot forgoing steam gauges for modern technology, investing in quality training is paramount. By acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize these advanced avionics systems, you’ll not only enhance your flying abilities but also elevate safety and fly with confidence.
For pilots seeking to gain proficiency in your glass panel avionics, let The Aviator’s Academy be your guide. Sign up for one of our glass panel avionics courses today.