Garmin G1000 Pilot's Training Guide (-05) - Page 55

FINAL THOUGHTS In conclusion, as GA aircraft and pilots transition to 21st-century technology, the Garmin Integrated Flight Deck provides a number of safety-enhancing benefits. Although automation in the cockpit should be embraced, both its positive and negative impacts on the safety of flight should be recognized and understood. Proper autopilot use is key to enhancing safety by reducing pilot workload; this is particularly true in certain emergency situations. In addition, the ability to develop a methodical approach to other cockpit tasks, even as simple as COM/NAV frequency selection and GPS management, can help the pilot to maintain better situational awareness while minimizing the overall cockpit workload. The ability to view weather, traffic, and terrain information to improve the ADM process represents another significant benefit brought to the cockpit by the Garmin Integrated Flight Deck. From satellite downlink weather with both NEXRAD radar images and textual weather to real-time lightning detection data, the pilot now has access to a wealth of information directly in the cockpit. Although the combination of weather, TIS, and terrain awareness information can increase the safety of flight, it is also critical that the pilot use this information properly and consistently. Too often, human beings rely on technology alone to provide the solution to hazardous situations. However, in the dynamic, three-dimensional flight environment, it is the pilot who represents the most significant component of the avionics system. It is from the cockpit that the most important calculations are made using the information and inputs provided by the avionics to ensure a safe flight. These calculations are enhanced both by regular recurrent training and by the full understanding of the strengths and limitations of the various data inputs. Good ADM and SRM practices are of critical importance to the long-term improvement of the GA safety record. 1 GIFD GDL 69/69A use XM Satellite Radio with WxWorx data. Refer to www.wxworx.com for more information on available weather data products. 2 Refer to appropriate manufacturer documentation concerning the complete operation of lightning detection equipment. 3 For more information on the TIS system, refer to www.tc.faa.gov/act310/projects/modes/tis.htm. 190-00368-05 Rev. B GIFD Pilot's Training Guide 51