I agree with you, light helicopter's panels are in the dark ages. I guess I covet a panel with a new G1000, or Rockwell Collins etc. How can you not appreciate the panels on a new Cirrus or Citation? Why can't we get those on a helicopter?
I agree the Chelton is better than most anything I have seen on a helicopter, I was just disappointed it doesn't do more and do it better... Faster start-up, better VSI, better declutter, better terrain, airport diagrams, communication to the Garmin radios, (or even have its own radios), etc.
You say the VSI is a challenge...I agree. When I learned to fly helicopters I learned how important it is..I don't want to be "looking" for it. <gr>
Congratulations on the instrument rating. I hope to work on my rating this winter. Maybe as I get into that I will appreciate the Chelton even more.
It sounds like we agree on most of this. Happy Enstrom flying!
Chuck