Pilot Products

Adding to the growing number of training materials specifically geared to learning glass-cockpit systems is Max Trescott's G1000 Glass Cockpit Handbook. Trescott is a Bay Area-based flight instructor specializing in Garmin G1000 training, and his book is a detailed survey of the avionics that you'll find in many new Cessna, Mooney, Diamond, Tiger, Beechcraft, and Columbia aircraft.

Trescott is clearly a fan of the system, and he discusses the differences between installations in various aircraft--whether this model has an integrated autopilot or DME, for example. The chapters follow with overviews of the primary flight display, audio panel, engine indication system, multifunction display, and datalink weather system. Then he delves into flight planning, operation of the autopilot, and instrument flying (including approaches). Finally, he discusses the electrical system, failure modes, and emergency procedures. He ends the book with a sample flight in an airplane and sheds light on the future of the system and its possible iterations in very light jets.

The material is thorough, and the writing is clear and concise. Throughout, illustrations and inset photos illuminate examples from the text and show you exactly what you'll see in the cockpit. This is a great addition to a glass-cockpit transition or primary training program; as the system matures hopefully we'll see updates to this book so that it stays fresh and valid--because with any software-based system, change will be a given for the G1000.

Price: $34.95. For more information: 800/247-6553; www.glasscockpitbooks.com

Free online knowledge tests

If an FAA knowledge test is on your horizon, you will study your test guide until you've got it down cold...right? If you'd like a preview of what to expect, try a free online test. Here are two to try.

Sporty's Pilot Shop offers an online exam that is the closest approximation to the real thing--it includes links to the applicable table or graphic for a given question. Tests are available for the recreational, private, and commercial pilot certificates as well as the instrument rating.

Another option is at MyWrittenExam.com, which is sponsored by MyPilotStore.com. For this site, you'll need a test guide with graphics and tables. Your score is e-mailed to you. On the plus side, you can compare your score with those of other users, and you can see which questions caused the most heartburn among your peers.

For both private pilot tests, you receive 2.5 hours to answer the 60 questions.

For more information: www.sportys.com; www.mywrittenexam.com