SVS affecting me flying VFR??

[Liam1407]

My local flight school is updating its flight simulators with Synthetic Vision, however although i'm excited about the technical move, i'm worried about whether or not this will affect how much I use the cockpit windows no matter the flight conditions.
For anyone who has used SVS before, does it have an affect on how much you use REAL visual aid (eye sight through cockpit windows) for flight assistance? Will I find myself simply using the display in front of me for the entire flight?

Cheers!

[zondaracer]

I've fly a few airplanes with SVS, and while flying VFR, I spend little time looking at the SVS. The view out the windscreen is much better. The SVS helps with situational awareness at night and in IMC, but in clear conditions, the SVS shouldn't lure your attention away from the real thing.

[Klimax]

I concur with Zondaracer. SVS is awesome for certain conditions, normally only actual IF conditions or night. It's a great aid - but must never be mixed up with VMC flying conditions.

[pilotchute]

I just had the chance recently to start using synthetic vision. As other posters have said when its VFR I look out the window.

I find most useful the green dot telling you where your aircraft is going to be and use that to give me an idea if I have to increase my rate of climb if I have terrain to consider on climb. I would never rely on it in IMC as I have found mistakes in the mapping. Big mistakes!!

[sunside]

I wouldn't rely on that dot too much, because it is assuming that conditions won't change. Almost always, when you are approaching terrain, the wind WILL change and then the dot will have mislead you. It is much better to have a mental picture about wind direction and aerology and the resulting winds, and to look out the window. If you start to see more things behind the hilltop as you approach it, you are above it; if you see less, you are below.

Also, don't fly towards a crest head-on, and be prepared to turn back if you find yourself too low. If you want to fly accordingly, the dot will be of almost no help.