Register

It’s Not Your Father’s Airplane

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author details his first extensive experience with a state-of-the-art Garmin Perspective glass cockpit in a Cirrus SR22, contrasting its advanced capabilities with his history of gradually upgrading a traditional panel.
  • The Garmin Perspective system offers comprehensive displays, Synthetic Vision Technology with "Highway in the Sky," an Enhanced Vision System for low visibility, and intuitive automation for engine management and flight guidance.
  • The aircraft incorporates advanced safety features like a "Go Around" button, an "LVL" button for immediate straight-and-level flight, and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which the author defends as valuable pilot aids.
  • Despite the extensive automation that simplifies flying, the article emphasizes that pilots must still maintain fundamental hand-flying skills for system failures and remain ultimately responsible for risk assessment and safe operational decisions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

“Got along without you ‘fore I met you, gonna get along without you now.” So there, Garmin Perspective in the Cirrus SR22! Just as the lyrics suggest, my feelings are mixed. I’d love to be able to get along with the Perspective-equipped Cirrus, but frankly, that option is above my pay grade.

I’ve struggled along with the panel I have … well, that’s not accurate … I’ve enjoyed the avionics I’ve acquired to enhance my Cardinal’s panel since I bought it with a partner more than 20 years ago. Originally, equipped with a pair of ARC navcoms and an ADF, it had an adequate and capable panel for IFR operations. Over the years we worked down a “wish” list. I’ve forgotten the chronology but a Northstar loran was an early addition and a backup vacuum system seemed important. When Judith wondered why we didn’t have an instrument to tell us where thunderstorms lurked, I explained there was one, but that it was expensive. “Buy one,” she insisted and that’s how a Stormscope 900 found its way to the panel.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE