You worked with the tried-and-true six-pack of conventional steam gauges, and they got you through the checkride without problems. Now you’re ready to go for something a little more modern.
Transitioning from a steam-gauge certified airplane to one that has an Aspen, Avidyne Entegra, or Garmin G1000 glass cockpit can take some time. (If you’ve been flying a modern Light Sport aircraft, you’re probably ahead of the game, because most come equipped with glass panels.) You’ve got a whole new set of skills to learn when it comes to managing the cockpit. The better you know the system, the less likely you will be head down at a crucial time trying to figure out which button to push. So don’t expect this transition to take two hours. Most flight schools have a detailed checkout procedure involving ground training as well as flight time.
What can you gain when you step up to a technically advanced aircraft? For starters, better spatial awareness; lots more in-flight data; and, depending on the system, traffic reporting and weather displays. Once you make the transition, you might not want to go back to round dials.
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