DJR_

Ok, well I got my PPL on the standard 6 pack 1976 C172. Im just starting my first year of college and planning on beginning my IFR training soon. My dad recommended training in the G1000 equipped Skylane because "glass panels are the way the industry is going." Now I would love to fly a G1000, but the price is far more than the other training option (1999 skylane). So my question is, is it worth it to get my IFR in the G1000? Will it benefit me in the long run to pay the extra price and get oriented with a glass cockpit? Especially since a Cessna sales rep I spoke with mentioned that soon we will need a special rating just to fly an old "steam gauge" aircraft.

Thanks in advance...
Dave

Edit: sorry about the title typo, but its late... lol

WhiteH2O

I call BS on that. I would train with the steam guages. You can transfer to a glass cockpit later, the cost won't be worth it, it will be easier to go steam to glass than glass to steam.

Pilotpip

Coming from an instructor that does a lot of training in G-1000 aircraft, I would do the instrument with steam guages. The scan is different, the types of failures are different, and I think in both cases they are more challenging. Save the money, fly the 6-pack.

Glass time is great. The situational awareness that you gain with the G-1000 is incredible even if it doesn't have the XM datalink. However, I think you'll become a better pilot doing the instrument training with steam guages.

The Cessna rep is stating what many people feel could become a reality because of the differences in scan, and procedure. However, there is currently no endorsement or anything like that needed and given the pace that the FAA moves with regulatory changes it will likely not happen before you complete your training.

BEWELCH

We do half steam guage, half G1000(KSU). Remember when its time to get your CPL, its back to the old steam guages!!

Zach

I did about half of my instrument training in a G1000 equiped C172. It was good experience I think. I am profiecient at flying the steam and the glass in IMC. It was especially nice having the G1000 when I was doing my Commercial x/c flights. If it is possible for you to train in both I would do that.

rickair7777

A number of young pilots are going to have their careers vaporized by the G1000 in the next few years. Many, many of the turbine aircraft that entry- and mid-level pilots will have the opportunity to fly are OLD...which means steam gauges.

If you have little or no steam gauge time and attempt to pass a 121/135 training program in a non-glass airplane, you will probably fail. And no, they will not give you extra training on basic instrument techniques.

Yeah, there are a lot of RJ's out there, but in order to get most of the jobs I've had, I have had to pass an interview sim check in a 1950's era simulator!

The G1000 is great for helping young guys impress their girlfriends, and to help doctors live longer, but if you want to be a pro, do your ratings on the old equipment. This advice will change eventually, but not in the next year or two.

444KA

Get the best of both worlds.... we tell our guys that glass is the future, but the now is stam gauges... be bilingual....

Ottopilot

I flew an old DC-9 steam gauge simulator for my interview at CAL. Fly the old style for training (save money too). Try out the glass later. It will be an easy transition.

JSchraub

Yeah stick with the '99 172. But I would get the training just to be able to fly the G1000... That is what I am doing all my training in the '04 172 and ever once and while take the G1000 out for a xc or 2... Good luck with your training