Steam powered gauges vs Glass cockpit

[Pman]

Sorry if there if I'm going old ground but I'm just looking forward in my training and I'm wondering about which is better, the traditional instruments configuration of something like a Dutchess or a glass cockpit of something like a DA-42 for doing my instrument rating.

At the minute I'm torn between what I want to do (glass cockpit) and what I think will be better (traditional).

I think the steam powered guages route may be better because from reading, it seems to be easier to convert from gauges to glass, than form glass to gauges.
And also for the sim assessments I have heard that some airlines use traditional cockpits for that.

Anyway, any feedback would be much appreciated.

Pman

[Piltdown Man]

The licence is the important thing. So whichever you are happiest in. I think the prats who said glass time is important have retired and had their heart attacks now.

PM

[Adios]

You need a first series and preferably a first time IR pass if you want a hope in hell of getting a job quickly (a relative term in the current market), so go with whichever makes an IR Test easier. Sod all the sage advice about what will make you a better, more macho pilot and choose the one that will help you actually become one in the first place.

If you want testosterone bragging rights, knock yourself out on steam gauges during your free time once you're employed.

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

To be honest mate, for the limited amount of time you spend on the IR course, I am not sure whether it really makes that much difference.

If you were lucky enough to get through an airline interview and be offered a simulator assessment, you always have the opportunity to get an hour or so in the type of simulator you will be assessed on. Going from analog to glass is no real big deal. Your standard scan is the same, however you will find all your primary flight instruments on one screen in front of you with a glass cockpit. The tricky thing about flying jets, is the speed that everything happens. Its kind of like when you go from a simple single into a twin multiplied by 10, but you soon get used to it.

I am not sure I agree with Adios's comments about the first time series pass, so don't concern yourself with that debate. Of course it is nice to go through any test on a first time pass, or a first series pass, however, I know plenty of people or didn't get through on the first attempt and are now in a successful airline career.

Enjoy the course.

[Wirbelsturm]

Go for the one you find easiest to understand and scan!!!!

Moving from wobbleheads (all analouge, with a cockpit instument design sneezed onto the panel by an asmatic engineer) to fixed wing many years ago () I did mine in a Beech Duchess which I was comfortable in. I have had colleagues who did theirs in a Diamond and found the glass layout more comfortable.

Perhaps you could find one of each and have a look at the IR profile and scan pattern in each to find what you prefer. I don't know the glass layout in the Diamonds but the move from analouge to glass in the Airbus wasn't at all difficult. AFAIK employers don't really care what you've flown if you've only flown light a/c as you come as a 'blank sheet' product. What they will be interested in is how easy you are to train and whether you will pass conversion first time ($$$$$$$).

Good luck

[Adios]

CAT3 is correct that there are plenty of people with second series IR's in the career. I am correct in saying that in the current climate, you'll get into the career quicker with a first time or first series pass, which you're more likely to get with more glass, fewer levers, electric trim, etc. It's an employer's market right now and they are able to set higher criteria now and still get enough pilots to fill their vacancies than they could in the past. It's hard to say if/when the balance will tip the other way so 2nd and 3rd series IR holders will get a crack.

My comment has nothing to do with which cockpit prepares you best for type training. I am merely asserting that you have to get to type training by getting a job and it's very nearly impossible for 2nd series IR holders to get an interview, much less a job in the current market. It's a simple investment hedging decision.

[LH2]

Originally Posted by Pman

Sorry if there if I'm going old ground but I'm just looking forward in my training and I'm wondering about which is better, the traditional instruments configuration of something like a Dutchess or a glass cockpit of something like a DA-42 for doing my instrument rating.

Who cares, as long as it comes with a sextant port?





What do you mean, old fashioned?

[EGCC4284]

Analogue and first time pass would be good, but its not the be all and end all. Most important is the person, can he fly and can he communicate. You also need a bit of luck in this world, but sometimes you need to make your own luck. Positive mental attitude and ignore half the stuff posted on here would also help.

[Pman]

Some really good thoughts on the matter, thanks everyone.

I will definitely have a good think about it, but luckily it's a while away so I have plenty of time .

Thanks

Pman