Garmin G1000 Pilot's Training Guide (-05) - Page 52

emergency. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the pilot double-check all autopilot inputs in order to avoid mode confusion and monitor them to ensure that the intended operation is taking place. If equipped with a GFC 700 AFCS, it is also important for pilots to understand the capabilities and limitations of the system. For example, loosing number two Integrated Avionics Unit (GIA #2) causes the autopilot to be disabled; however, the flight director function will still be available. This allows pilots to program the flight direct as an additional tool for assistance during flight. COMMUNICATION AND NAVIGATION While the autopilot is the single most valuable tool for SRM, it is also important that the pilot develop a consistent approach to using the communication (COM) and navigation (NAV) tools present in the GIFD System. The two COM and NAV receivers combined with the ability to tune COM and NAV frequencies from the Jeppesen database give the pilot a streamlined process for frequency selection and management. A typical methodology for COM/NAV frequency management is to designate COM1 and NAV1 as the primary airborne and enroute frequencies. COM2 can then be reserved for both weather (ATIS, ASOS, AWOS) and ground frequencies. Meanwhile, NAV2 is set as the backup to NAV1. If established as part of a standard operating procedure, these selections help to minimize confusion over which COM and/or NAV is selected and active. When a consistent approach to frequency management is not used, the pilot is more likely to run into mode confusion concerning the use of the Audio Panel (GMA 1347); this can in turn lead to missed radio calls and/or transmissions on the incorrect frequency. FLIGHT PLANNING While managing frequencies for ground-based NAVAIDs is important, proper use of the GPS flight planning function can also prove beneficial. Rather than performing continuous direct-to navigation with the GPS, taking the time on the ground to enter a full flight plan allows the GIFD to enhance the navigation experience. First, the pilot will be able to visually inspect the route of flight on the map, once at altitude, to verify both terrain clearance (using the Terrain Awareness overlay) and active airspaces (if active, MOAs and Restricted areas call for a re-routing from ARTCC). Secondly, using the flight planning function allows for seamless autopilot turn anticipation. Finally, taking a moment to program the flight plan on the ground makes it easier to react quickly to in-flight routing changes. Pilots should program the flight plan prior to takeoff on even short cross-country flights. Likewise, the maps on both the Multi Function Display (MFD) and Primary Flight Display (PFD) help the pilot to manage the navigation functions of the system. By using the maps to verify GPS navigation inputs, the pilot is able to visually cross-check data entry by looking at the course lines drawn on the map. This visual representation of the active navigation is the quickest way to determine whether all of the correct waypoints were entered for the intended route of flight. 48 GIFD Pilot's Training Guide 190-00368-05 Rev. B