It Did Happen To Me

I installed a G500 on the left-side flight panel. Wanting some real redundancy-not just backup-the limited space on the right panel was perfect for Aspens PFD. This way, if my G500 ever croaked, Id just hop over to the right seat and fly using the Aspen. That also had the advantage of giving any planned right-seater good PFD information should that ever be necessary. I was set.

Frank Bowlin

Friday, October 19, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author installed two redundant EFIS systems (Garmin G500 and Aspen PFD) for backup, planning to use the Aspen from the right seat if the primary G500 failed.
During an actual G500 failure en route to an IMC destination, the author realized a critical lack of proficiency in operating the Aspen from the right seat, necessitating a diversion.
The experience highlighted the crucial importance of practicing and maintaining proficiency with backup systems and failure-mode procedures, not just normal operations.

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You’ve heard the old axiom about gear-up landings: There are those who have, those who will, and those who will again. No, I haven’t (well, haven’t yet) landed gear up. But, I’m thinking that same rule applies to gyro failures and EFIS failures.

When I undertook a panel refit on my bird some years ago, I equipped for the maximum utility for me to fly behind this panel. Garmin’s G500 was new and the Aspen hadn’t been around very long either. Each was attractive, so, unable to decide, I picked both.