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Chesapeake Aviation Training has developed a specialized glass cockpit avionics flight and ground training program for your Columbia or Cirrus glass cockpit*.
You just landed at Tulsa, Oklahoma for a quick refuel. You are continuing westbound with your next stop in Las Vegas, New Mexico. You filed IFR and give Tulsa clearance delivery a shout on 134.05... “Tulsa clearance, N1234B, IFR to Las Vegas, New Mexico.”
“N1234B, Tulsa clearance, good afternoon. You are cleared to the Las Vegas airport, direct Tulsa VOR to the 45 DME fix off the Tulsa 245 degree radial, direct Panhandle, then as filed…”
Do you wince when you hear such a clearance? If so, you are not alone; many other instrument pilots feel your pain. Even with all the fancy avionics in your plane, this seems like an impossible task. While it may not be as simple as adding a waypoint to your active flight plan, it isn’t all that difficult to set up if you have a few Garmin tricks up your sleeve. Moreover, wouldn’t it be cool if your autopilot could also seamlessly track this routing?
Just like the transistor revolutionized modern electronics, the GPS has revolutionized modern avionics and has changed the way pilots navigate. A GPS increases our situational awareness and provides a reliable navigation source. With a few common sense rules, you will fly safer than ever before. Nonetheless, this does not imply that GPS has made navigation simpler. To the contrary, while technically advanced aircraft have a very distinct advantage, they also require a great deal of advanced training due to their complexity. A VFR pilot can get away with using only the “Direct-To” button, but the instrument pilot has to be able to handle a variety of scenarios such as complex arrivals and instrument departures (including obstacle departures). And you can’t forget the occasional DME hold. While most pilots have a rudimentary knowledge of how to manage the integration of their avionics systems, only a few have a complete knowledge. The goal of this program is to get the pilot closer to that complete knowledge base. This program offers a choice of two or three days of ground and flight training. Each day of training will consist of 4 to 6 hours of flight instruction along with 2 to 4 hours of ground instruction. The training is also tailored to meet your current level of experience, from novice through advanced.
Level 1 is for the novice. Little or no practical experience with your avionics is required or expected. However, it is expected that you have read through the avionics manuals prior to starting the training. Most of the level 1 training will focus on using the Garmin 430 GPS. It is strongly encouraged to register for the three day program.
Level 2 is designed for the pilot that is fairly proficient with their avionics while flying VFR, but may be apprehensive using it under IFR. It is also meant for pilots that are not very verse in using an HSI. Special emphasis will be placed on the integration of the GPS, autopilot, flight director and HSI as they relate to instrument procedures. Level 2 is a two or three day program.
Level 3 is for those pilots that already have a very good grasp of using the avionics, but want to be challenged with some of the more complex instrument procedures. Also, special emphasis will be placed on the various failure and emergency conditions and how to recover when things go awry. Level 3 is normally a two day program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need two or three days of training? This depends on your current level of comfort with the avionics platform. If you’ve only browsed the avionics manuals and feel overwhelmed when you read them, then three days is more appropriate. On the other hand, if you have a good understanding of how to use the equipment under VFR, but may not be completely comfortable with using them under IFR, then two days will likely be appropriate. 2. What level do I need? Again, this depends on your comfort with the avionics platform. The syllabus for the training is slightly different for each level. It is very important to assess this prior to the start of training. Those that are truly beginners will need to start at level 1. If you have used the avionics for some time now and just need to complete your understanding of how to best use all of the systems to the optimal extent possible, then Level 3 is the place for you. Level 2 is for pilots somewhere in between. Keep in mind that most pilots feel they know more than they really do. 3. How do I schedule the training? Send an e-mail to contact@chesavtraining.com and indicate that you would like to schedule a glass cockpit avionics flight and ground instruction program. Due to the demand, openings may not be available until 4-8 weeks in the future. 4. Do I have to come to your headquarters in Fort Mill? Not at all. We will come out to your home airfield or you can come to Fort Mill, SC (just south of Charlotte, NC). It is your choice. If we come to your location, expenses such as airfare, lodging, meals, tolls, ground transportation, fuel, etc. are not included in the basic two or three day rate. 5. Can I schedule this immediately? Yes, but due to the high demand there is normally a 4-8 week lead time for availability. We strongly suggest that you schedule the training as soon as possible. 6. Do I have to supply my own plane? Yes. Chesapeake Aviation Training does not own training aircraft. 7. Is there anything I can do to prepare for this training? Yes, you can read all of your avionics manuals and become familiar with the limitations imposed in your POH. 8. What is the cost? The cost of the two day program is $1,200 plus expenses for out of town travel. The three day program is $1,800 plus expenses for out of town travel. A $500 deposit is required to secure the requested dates. The deposit will be refunded less any expenses already incurred if training cannot be completed as planned. Local training prices are $1000 and $1,500 for the two and three day programs, respectively. 9. What if I have the normal “six pack” in my airplane along with the Garmin 430 and S-tec 55X autopilot, can I still benefit from the training? Yes. Even though the program is intended for those with glass cockpits, much of the training focuses on the integration of the GPS with the autopilot and HSI. Those pilots with the altitude selector/alerter and Sandel EHSI will benefit from the training. 10. Will this count as a BFR or IPC? An IPC and/or BFR can also be accommodated if desired for an additional $100 each. Just be sure to indicate this prior to the start of training. Keep in mind this may require additional flight/ground training time to complete the required elements of a BFR and/or IPC. 11. Can I do more than three days of training? Yes. The number of days of training is your choice. The program is designed to fit within three days with a minimum of two days. Additional training can be accommodated.
If you would like to schedule a two or three day avionics ground and flight training program or have any further questions, please send an e-mail to contact@chesavtraining.com to reserve your slot. *Avidyne PFD, MFD, S-tec autopilot, Garmin 430s and Garmin G1000. |
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