Originally Posted by
Morrisman1
Go on, please tell me. Call me an old fart but personally I don't think they are necessary for most GA operations. I understand they pack a lot more tech than the standard 6-pack but in comparison to a GNS530 or similar alongside the standard IFR equipment they don't look that attractive to me.
I think it is overkill for most GA operations because most GA operations are VFR. If you are operating IFR then it is most definitely an improvement over a six pack and Garmin 530 , which is most definitely an improvement over a 6 pack and no moving map GPS. The level of accuracy and the instant and constant situational awareness is simply not possible with a steam gauge cockpit.
However for VFR flying I think it is overkill. A good portable moving map GPS with a paper map backup will handle the Nav and the view out the windscreen will provide all the cues needed to control the aircraft. On an average VFR flight the pilot will use about 10 % of the functionality of the G1000 system