The course contains a good balance of computer-generated graphics, real video, and actual demonstration. Its interactive review questions are very helpful, especially when used in conjunction with the ASA test prep book (included in the package, along with a computerized testing supplement and a graduation certificate upon completion of the course). She also enjoyed the fact there are three different instructors and the variety this introduced. An instrument course is now available.
Price: $99.95 each. For more information: 800/426-8338; www.asa2fly.com
GPS Training Aids
ElectronicFlight Solutions' Garmin trainer
For years pilots have marveled at the powers of GPS navigation, but all too often our knowledge of the box stops at the ability to press the Direct key, enter an identifier, and then hit Enter to navigate directly to an airport. The thought of, say, loading a flight plan and changing it midflight creates that deer-in-the-headlights expression on many pilots' faces. A new company called ElectronicFlight Solutions in Hyannis, Massachusetts, offers computer-based training to pilots on various avionics, including weather detection (radar and lightning) equipment, terrain awareness warning systems, and traffic information systems. Its latest course covers GPS navigators, namely the Garmin GNS 530 and GNS 430.
First of all, there is nothing wrong with Garmin's instruction manual; it's just that the plot doesn't hold our attention like, say, The Grapes of Wrath. The ElectronicFlight Solutions program is fun, like watching television. Knowledge is added to your brain with such subtlety that you don't realize how much you've learned until one of the quizzes appears on the screen. The program loaded well, and online registration, which entitles you to free software updates for one year, went smoothly.
You'll learn not only the proper operation of the Garmin 530/430, but also the shortcuts that allow you to get the most out of the product with the least memorization and button-pushing. As you progress through the 12- to 15-hour course (it can be taken in short sessions) you'll be given the opportunity to take three flights, either through use of a Garmin 530 simulator and a 430 simulator that come with the program, or in your actual aircraft. This is done via a lesson plan that you can print out. It walks you through demonstrations and actual use.
The company plans to offer an autopilot training module in the near future. ElectronicFlight Solutions training is approved for the FAA Wings program, and has been selected by FlightSafety for its learning centers, and by colleges and training centers affiliated with major aircraft manufacturers. -Alton K. Marsh
Price: $295 per module. For more information: 866/234-2359 or 508/775-7575; www.electronicflight.com
Pegasus Interactive VFlite
When you seek the right instruction for learning to use a GPS receiver, there are two things that you should look for: model specificity and hands-on learning. The ultimate is to find an experienced instructor and learn one-on-one about the GPS installed in your panel. But many of us don't have access to that kind of expert training, or we'd like a portable way to learn while we're on the road or weathered in.
Pegasus Interactive has developed VFlite, its trainer for the panel-mounted Garmin GNS 430/530 GPS receivers. The Windows- and Macintosh-compatible software on a single CD offers truly interactive, thorough training on these units. Being an occasional Garmin user (a 530 is installed in a colleague's airplane that I occasionally fly), I often found myself tripped up by the differences between the 530 and the UPS Aviation Technologies Apollo GX-60 that I use more often. So I went through the entire VFlite module to fill in the gaps.
The software is divided into logical sections: startup, pretakeoff, departure, en route, arrival, and quick tips. Each section is further broken down into segments detailing various functions. Once in a segment, the software has three modes: demo, training, and solo. The demo mode plays a demonstration of a particular function on the receiver, complete with narration and text. The training mode prompts you through the same actions using a simulated receiver. The solo mode gives you actions to make, but you must select the appropriate buttons and twists without prompting. Also, the software includes simulators for both units for you to practice with on your own. A pilot's manual is included.
I found the demos to be fast-paced - painless for someone with some working knowledge of GPS units but a little quick for a novice. Use the pause button to slow things down, and you can replay a section any time you like. The examples are carefully chosen to illustrate "gotchas" inherent to the Garmins and GPS units in general (not that there are many, but you need to know what they are), such as remembering to switch from VLOC (VOR/localizer navigation) to GPS after flying an ILS approach.
VFlite comes in a standard version as well as a Plus version that includes the stand-alone 430 and 530 simulators, simulator exercises, progress tracking, and an intro flight overview.
Price: $159.95 for the standard version; $199.95 for the plus version. For more information: 610/738-6901; www.vflite.com
Briefly Noted
Vector Training Systems has received Level 3 FAA approval for its Piper Warrior simulators. The Grand Forks, North Dakota, company has sold three of the devices to the University of North Dakota. The devices will reduce the time and cost of obtaining an instrument rating and can be used for currency requirements. To obtain approval, Vector compiled data during flight-testing of the Piper Warrior. The firm makes aircraft-specific flight training devices and multimedia training software for the GA industry.
For more information: 701/775-8830 or www.vtsweb.com
CAE has launched a Web site aimed at commercial aviation training, designed to inform pilots, flight dispatchers, and directors of flight operations about each of CAE's locations and 70-plus full-motion flight simulators.
For more information: www.cae.com/aviationtraining
FlightPrep Version 2.30 online flight planner now has graphic display of temporary flight restrictions and video help for users.
Price: $149.95 per year for AOPA members; $189.95 nonmembers. For more information: www.flightprep.com
EchoFlight has introduced its yoke-mounted Flight Cheetah FL 240 moving map with datalink capability, including a 5.7-inch diagonal display connected to an Orbcomm datalink transceiver.
Price: $2,995; with Orbcomm datalink transceiver, $4,625; WAAS-enabled GPS, $295. For more information: 888/948-9657; www.echoflight.com
Related Articles
