Aircraft Cockpit Proficiency

In the age of satellite navigation, electronic instrumentation and multi-function displays with moving maps, each aircraft is different. Just because you can fly an Avidyne Integra-equipped Cirrus doesnt mean you can jump into a Perspective (a.k.a. Garmin G1000) Cirrus. Or, for that matter, even an old steam-gauge Piper. Now we need proficiency not just on an instrument scan and IFR procedures, but on the installed devices as well.

IFR Staff

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The increasing complexity of modern aircraft avionics and high flying costs necessitate the use of simulators for pilots to maintain essential proficiency beyond basic flight skills.
While highly accurate, cockpit-specific simulators are ideal, their significant expense makes more affordable solutions that prioritize accurate avionics and IFR procedures a practical choice for individual pilots.
Pilots can achieve cost-effective and frequent proficiency practice either through specialized, mid-range simulator systems or, if tech-savvy, by building a custom setup tailored to their specific needs.

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Back in the days of steam gauges and conventional VHF nav, you could jump into any aircraft and feel comfortable because everything always worked the same way. It was simple.

But in the age of satellite navigation, electronic instrumentation and multi-function displays with moving maps, each aircraft is different. Just because you can fly an Avidyne Integra-equipped Cirrus doesn’t mean you can jump into a Perspective (a.k.a. Garmin G1000) Cirrus. Or, for that matter, even an old steam-gauge Piper. Now we need proficiency not just on an instrument scan and IFR procedures, but on the installed devices as well.