Cubdriver

"Perspective" is the tradename for a large set of upgrades to the basic Garmin G1000 system that has been around for 5 years or so. It took an already great avionics package and bumped it to the topmost level. It is amazing to have all that stuff in a single engine piston airplane. The main differences with the basic G1000 system are the center keypad, "Level" Button, digital autopilot although I think the old GFC700 AP may have been digital, added slightly larger screens, and of course added the Synthetic Vision Technology overlays. The various overlays existed before but were buried on the MFD, now they are moved to the PFD where you can better use them.

Cessna's brand new singles have the SVT system, a really good autopilot (GFC700), and a few have the extra-sized displays. In addition the SVT system can be added as a download to any existing G1000 airplane going back 4 or 5 years. The Enhanced Vision System infrared is unique to Cirrus however. I tend to agree with EWF that the parachute and level button may contribute to a sense of infallibility in novice pilots, but it remains to be seen whether they actually decrease fatal accidents over the long haul. Cessna is adding a chute to its Skycatcher but has no plans (as far as I know) to add it to anything else.

block30

I will say this, the enhanced vision is offered on other piston singles, like the Husky and Maule aircraft. There are companies getting STCs to fit these infrared systems onto any other plane as well, if I read correctly.

Ewfflyer

Yeah, there's a few companies out there making this, can't wait til it makes the Piper line of products or the TBM's.

SVT is coming to the TBM's, we have a few being installed, but I haven't flown them yet. I flew a Mooney Acclaim that had it, and yes it was sweet(even in the flat-land's where I live). Definately some neat technology out there!

Left Handed

You guys realize that in the first cars you had to set your own fuel and air mixture and use a hand brake to stop. Not to mention hand syncronizing the gears with a clutch. Unfortunately, in 30 years, we will be the old timers that flew those "round guages" and didn't see the runway until you were right on top of it (200 ft) on an approach. Just like before us the old timers used the "range" and had to know morse code. And flew compass, ball, and stick (or whatever that old saying is). I fear they are taking the fun right out of it.

Eck4Life

[quote=And flew compass, ball, and stick (or whatever that old saying is). [/quote]

Needle, ball, and airspeed? I'm only old enough to rely on that in an emergency and I guarantee you that I would not look forward to doing it IMC in the 'real' world. Heard a guy on the radio kill himself and his family a few years back right before Thanksgiving trying to resurrect those skills. As much as we like to give ourselves a collective pat on the back for being able to do things 'old school', technology is a great thing.

SkyHigh

A ballistic chute would have saved the day in that incident. Progress is a good thing. It is okay to let go of attitude instrument skills in trade for such advancements. I can not use an E6-B nor can I navigate using a sextant.

Skyhigh