It Comes Down to This: In Garmin We Trust

Sweaty palms and button pushing are all part of being a pilot.

Monday, February 10, 2025 at 09:02 AM ET

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FLYING contributor Ben Younger says there is simply no world where his skill set and ability to execute will ever be able to beat his avionics. [Courtesy: Ben Younger]

Key Takeaways:

The pilot experienced initial disorientation in unexpected Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and effectively used the autopilot to stabilize the aircraft and manage workload.
Modern autopilots (like the GFC500) are presented as superior to human ability in precision and workload management, especially in challenging IFR conditions, enhancing safety by freeing the pilot to monitor and communicate.
While acknowledging the importance of practicing hand-flying skills, the article advocates for strategically leveraging advanced avionics in critical single-pilot IFR situations, reserving hand-flying practice for less demanding conditions.

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On a cool, early October afternoon, I was climbing away from Runway 32 at KMIV (Millville, New Jersey) on the LEEAH 5 departure.

Accelerating to 120 kias, I picked up the gear and started the required 180-degree right turn toward the LEEAH intersection. The ASOS promised 900-foot ceilings. Sometimes they lie in the brochure. I was in the soup at 600 agl and quickly found myself a touch disoriented—and a little behind the airplane.

Ben Younger

Ben Younger is a TV and film writer/director, avid motorcyclist and surfer—but it’s being a pilot that he treats as a second profession. Find him on Instagram @thisisbenyounger.