I tend to agree, at the moment it is probably better to learn the traditional method unless you don't plan on flying anything else.
While I was there I was lucky enough to use Angel City Flyers brand new FAA approved G1000 sim based on the DA40 (well cool, 120° visuals etc), the only one in the world at the moment. It is excellent for getting to grips with the glass cockpit. They are now Diamond approved and are even training a few "private" pilots directly in the G1000 DA40's. That would be an interesting check ride, it would be difficult to get lost
One interesting exercise we tried was to fail the engine in IMC at about 3000'. With the glass cockpit you pitch up to the "best glide" marker on the speed tape, press the "nearest" button, turn onto heading, which in itself is a great aid to safety. Because the map detail is so good, if you're not going to make an airfield, you can actually aim for a road, and when you pop out of the cloud base you're pretty much exactly lined up. Maybe this is not such an issue in the UK, but if you're over LA or in the mountains it could save your life.
The instrumentation is far more accurate, no more dodgey fuel gauges. The G1000 will tell you exactly your duration and distance remaining, and even draw circles on the map based on a 30 and 45 min reserve. Any warnings, such as oil temp or pressure, will pop up on the screen as soon as they are outside of limits.
Anyway I'm hooked, now its a shame I can't afford a new aircraft
