Garmin G1000 Training and Checkout

G1000 Side ViewLast spring when I visited the Cessna Plant in Independence Kansas, they told us that 2006 was the last year could order standard round instrument gauges (commonly referred in the Cessna world as Nav I and Nav II avionics packages); being replaced by the new Garmin G1000 system (called Nav III). I was a little surprised at this decision given the G1000 had only been out a short while, however, on the trip to KIDP, I got my first taste of a G1000 equipped aircraft and although a little bit overwhelmed at first — mostly because I was flying a Turbo 182 for the first time — it was a very fun system to fly — with some CFI guidance in the next seat. Find out all about my G1000 checkout after the jump.

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Aircraft rental turnover

In Kansas City we’ve had a few days close to 70 degrees and nothing motivates the hibernating pilot like some warm weather. I have not flown since last fall and my instrument currency expired late last summer. I logged in to check some of rental availability and what I find is that some of my favorite rental aircraft have moved on to bigger (and better?) things.

Details about what changes happened to the KC rental market this winter after the jump.

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Start of Commercial Pilot Training?

Not sure where the last of winter went as far as flying goes. As soon as the first indication of nice weather comes it seems the evening and weekends go towards working outside in the yard and other things around the house. However, living close to a major training airport does not put flying out of my mind for too long.

Read all about my struggles on what my next training endeavor will be after the jump.

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