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 author recounts experiencing disorientation during an unexpected transition to Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and how immediately engaging the autopilot helped regain control and manage the flight.
The article strongly advocates for strategically embracing modern avionics and autopilots, particularly in challenging IFR conditions, to enhance safety by reducing pilot workload and potential for human error.
While acknowledging the importance of hand-flying skills, the author concludes that in critical single-pilot IFR scenarios, leveraging automation allows the pilot to focus on monitoring and decision-making, ultimately leading to safer outcomes.

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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.