Power Hour Lesson Outlines

Outline:

1. Part 61 FARs

   1. Overview: This section highlights FAA regulations for aircraft operations under Part 61, particularly related to avionics training and certification.

2. What should I do before stepping into the airplane?

   • Pre-flight Preparation: This part covers the need for familiarity with avionics and understanding how different systems in the aircraft function before flying.

3. Old vs. New: Audio Panels

   • Lack of Standardization: Audio panels vary across aircraft, leading to challenges in familiarity and consistency. They control how radios are used and where the audio is delivered.

   • Key Features: Discussion on features like "Off", "Speaker", "Phone", and "Auto" settings.

4. Old vs. New: GPS Units

   • Older Units: The section compares older GPS systems, such as Bendix King, Avidyne, and Garmin, with newer systems. It notes that limited simulators exist for older models and stresses proficiency, including the use of battery carts.

   • Coming Changes: Garmin is discontinuing support for its 430/530 models, and Avidyne offers a Garmin slide-in replacement.

5. Old vs. New: Autopilots

   • Variety in Autopilot Systems: Discussion on the diversity of autopilot systems in aircraft.

   • Key Features: Highlights how autopilots behave, including changing NAV source and wing leveling.

   • Supplements Section: The importance of reviewing the POH’s supplements for pre-flight checks.

6. New Avionics: G1000 System with NXi

   • Latest Avionics Systems: Focuses on newer systems like the G1000 NXi, which enhances avionics displays.

   • G5 Displays: Describes the round gauge makeover with G5 displays.

7. Apps

   • iPad Applications: Lists useful apps for avionics training, such as GTN Trainer, GTN TXI Trainer, and Simionic (for G1000 PDF, MDF, and NXi).

8. Best Practices: Unfamiliar Avionics

   • Training Approach: Emphasizes the risks of flying with unfamiliar avionics. Training should be done both on the ground (in simulators) and in-flight to build confidence with different systems.

9. Best Practices: Automation Philosophy

   • Automation Challenges: Autopilots do not perform well in certain situations:

     • They struggle with immediate turns, climbs, or descents.

     • They are not effective in maneuvering around traffic or terrain when close.

     • They also do not perform well tracking a localizer with "wiggle".

   • Decision Making: In situations where the autopilot is struggling, disengage to the lowest mode, usually OFF.

10. Best Practices: Re-engaging the Autopilot

    • Re-engagement Strategy: After disengaging the autopilot, re-engage it only when situation awareness allows. The process should start from the simplest mode and progressively move to more complex modes as the situation stabilizes.

11. How Many Ways to Turn Off the Autopilot?

    • Multiple Methods: Various ways to disengage the autopilot are detailed, including:

      1. Using the AP disconnect button on the control wheel or stick.

      2. Pressing the AP switch/button on the unit.

      3. Engaging both sides of the elevator trim switches.

      4. Turning off the avionics master switch.

      5. Pulling out the AP circuit breaker.

      6. Turning off the master switch.