Instrument Training Tip/

Learning to fly instruments in an airplane with an advanced panel such as the Garmin G1000 can be tricky. Relying too much on the automation can certainly expedite training, but it also can handicap a pilot into a one-dimensional computer operator. The best way to avoid this is to spend the majority of time in training with all of the technology turned off.

We’re lulled into thinking that an advanced panel must have a GPS flight plan enabled, and that it’s in our best interest to use all of its capability. That’s true while flying cross-country, but not while training. The navigation radios can be operated like a traditional airplane's, using cross radials to identify fixes and VOR tracking to navigate. Holding patterns should be practiced without the racetrack painted on the moving map—which, incidentally, can be changed to an alternative screen, turned down, or covered up.

Similarly, using the autopilot is a must-know skill, even if it isn’t a must-use technique. Learn it, and then ignore it.

Learning to fly instruments in an airplane with an advanced panel such as the Garmin G1000 can be tricky. Relying too much on the automation can certainly expedite training, but it also can handicap a pilot into a one-dimensional computer operator. The best way to avoid this is to spend the majority of time in training with all of the technology turned off.

We’re lulled into thinking that an advanced panel must have a GPS flight plan enabled, and that it’s in our best interest to use all of its capability. That’s true while flying cross-country, but not while training. The navigation radios can be operated like a traditional airplane's, using cross radials to identify fixes and VOR tracking to navigate. Holding patterns should be practiced without the racetrack painted on the moving map—which, incidentally, can be changed to an alternative screen, turned down, or covered up.

Similarly, using the autopilot is a must-know skill, even if it isn’t a must-use technique. Learn it, and then ignore it.