I am currently working on my instrument rating and each time I fly I am in a different plane. The instrument layout varies in each plane, sometimes quite a bit. So I'm wondering if I should stick to the same plane each time (which can be hard to schedule) or does it even matter? Pros/cons? Any thoughts??

 

It will definitely benefit you to stick to one layout, especially if they are significantly different. I'd try for the one closest to a standard "T". However, it's still doable if you switch airplanes- it'll just take a few more hours. So it's about which problem you're more willing to deal with- scheduling difficulty, or paying a bit more.

 

I remember some of your posts from a long time ago, but can't remember if you are doing this for fun or future profession. If you're going pro eventually, different panels are just a way of life, and learning to adapt to them now will help you in the long term. I know it might cost you more, but it's not the worst thing out there.

How extremely different are these panels? Is it avionics, or actual instrumentation position?

 

If the 6 pack is different, try to stick to the standard configuration which some older airplanes may not have:

AS AI ALT
TC HI VS

If it's radios, VORs, etc may as well get used to it. But try to stick to the same airplane for your final checkride prep flights and the checkride.

 

Same question as rick – are you talking about different as in the basic 6-pack

is there but some of the other stuff , such as the location of CDIs, power instruments, etc are different, or are you talking about "real" nonstandard panels like you cna still find in some older airplanes, where even those 6 basic instruments can be in completely different places?

If the latter, I'd stay away from them altogether during training. If the former, you might stay with one airplane until your scanning technique becomes more reliable and you can handle the distraction of some things being in different places.

It's always easier to become proficient at a task when you can repeat the same sequence over and over again. And once proficient, it becomes easier to transition into things that are different. And after that, the more differences you transition to, the easier it tends to become. (remember how strange it was the first time you drove ta car that was different than the one you were used to?).

 

I am just focusing right now on finishing what I wasn't able to a long time ago.

Its not the avionics but the actual instrument positions that change. In some cases its no big deal, but sometimes it is enough to be frustrating. Especially if I schedule more than one lesson in a day (which is frequently the case) and I have to use a different airplane. Its probably not a big deal but I was curious what other people's experiences were. So thanks!!

 

I think being able to repeat the same sequence again and again may be key, but it is not what I am currently doing. Which is what prompted my question. I don't always have a say in what airplane gets scheduled because it all depends on what is available (and of course on my schedule, too). I was just curious if the differences in instrument layout was necessarily detrimental to my flight training.

 

Only if you feel that it is. Whichever plane youre most comfortable in ..fly that exclusively for the final polishing flights but if its minor stuff, a switch here instead of there then shouldn't be a problem. If its the actual six standard instruments in a different layout then I might be a bit concerned. I'm not sure Ive experienced that (hence why its standard) though I'm sure its possible.

Regardless of changes in the location/layout you should be and most likely are repeating a sequence even if its not apparent. I missed how far you are into it but instrument flying is rarely haphazard and I doubt your instructor is either. Of course some element of muscle memory is built into following a procedure but the majority of it is a mental exercise IMHO.

 

Just takes practice and patience. One thing I've always noticed is most students tend to focus too long on any given instrument. Really try to see/interpret an instrument in 1-second or less, and move on to the next in your pattern. Also know when to omit a certain gauge because it currently isn't the primary for your given action.

Partial Panel work can really strengthen your skill level when using secondary instruments for primary actions, or reinforce the primarys without the supplemental secondary information.

If you are noticing a common trend in your mistakes as well as what you do right, hopefully you and your CFI can build a plan of action off of that to improve your training.