Conundrum: Too much technology

[wcalvert]

I have a flip phone myself...

There are 5 or 6 controls on that flight deck that are REQUIRED for flight.

Maybe your partner is intimidate by the 50 plus switches and cb's, 6 screens and their associated menus, 2 HSI's and probably some other stuff I can't see.

I fly a Boeing time machine at work, and enjoy looking out the window on my days off.
To each his own.

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by xblueh2o

I think a lot of the problems you run in to in little airplanes is different boxes by different manufactures and each has their own particular architecture for the user interface.

One reason I really like GRT----they do their best to play with other folks little magic boxes.

[DTARM1]

When I was a kid, I flew in a 7AC Champ with a retired Delta Captain. He let me sit up front. After we were about 200' off the ground I noticed none (neither) of the gauges worked. Since we didn't have headsets, I turned around, looked at him and pointed to the panel. He just smiled.

I'm sure just the installation of one of those panels cost more than that entire Champ did in 1947.

I'de rather fly and use my senses rather than rely on someone else's.

Then again, I don't even watch TV.

[Sparrowhwk]

I'm not sure you have received answers that really address your 3 options, and this one doesn't directly address those options either - just offering another thought process.
I plan to do exactly this when I finally get my hands on an RV, and I think your partner will relate given his experience:
Pitch + power = performance

Spend time with all the screens turned down (unreadable as if failed).
Ideally you will act as safety pilot using your iPad with the flight information available to you.

Takeoff: Set T/O power, feel the stick pressure as speed builds, learn what is needed and how she flies off. (hopefully engine instruments are easily monitored, but if integrated with the EFIS only, then sound of the engine, acceleration rate etc)
Climb: Set climb power - set throttle to approx MAP desired (maybe a marking on the quadrant), learn approximate physical prop adjustment (number of vernier turns), and rough mixture adjustment for typical conditions.
Set climb pitch attitude referenced to horizon position relative to fixed part of the glare shield or other convenient reference point.
Cruise: Essentially the same as for climb.
Maneuvering: Spend time learning the pitch attitude & power for turns, slow flight, stall recoveries etc with outside references only, and known throttle positions.
Descent: Again rough power setting (another mark on the throttle quadrant) and rough adjustment of mixture during descent etc. set pitch attitude referenced to another fixed point on the airframe.
Pattern & landing: It can be done using the same principles as above, and hopefully the slow flight and stall practice has given the necessary exposure to prevent things getting too far out of profile. (sloppy controls, air noise etc).

Ok, I realize the above is probably teaching how to suck eggs, but my intent is just to emphasize that if your partner could get comfortable enough flying without ANY instruments (steam or EFIS), then he could "worry" less with the technology and just enjoy flying like he did in the T-6.

Basic Nav will not be foreign to him and watching the ground with a paper chart still works if that's all he wants to do. You could slowly introduce little bits of tech as time goes, like the "Direct to" function etc.

Add to this getting comfortable with the basic display at power up and he has all he needs and confidence that he doesn't need any of it when the screens get out of wack.

Think about the kid looking at the cockpit of a jetliner for the first time ..."all those buttons", but we know that you only have to look at one button/system/gauge at a time. It's knowing which one to give your attention to that takes the training.

It's really just embracing the fact that the tech stuff is there as "nice to have if you want it" but not necessary for flight.

Hope this helps. As has already been mentioned, the techniques he used in the T-6 are still valid - it's just wings moving through air.

[Raiz]

If you swapped the Dynon backup EFIS for steam gauge backups and the GNS430 for a plain old nav/com, you would have an airplane that could be flown with or without "button pushing".

[Ralph Inkster]

How about refit the right side of the panel with the 6pack you described. Leaves the left side the same for you and the right side for him. Additionally gives him left throttle, right stick - similar to his old planes. Maybe he might feel more comfortable to fly solo this way.

[dave4754]

I dont happen to have a picture handy, but when i put my panel together i placed an Airspeed indicator and artificial horizon as well as an altimeter in the panel along with a suite of classic Dynon 10 inch and related com gear.

You could look at what instrument he is having probs with, I know i like to look at a standard airspeed gauge instead of the ribbon.

I have to agree with other posters, perhaps he is more concerned about the plane itself and flight characteristics rather than the instruments.

I liked your panel

[gasman]

Maybe try the ASV2 http://mglavionics.com/html/blaze_color_singles.html in the left corner of the panel.

[RONSIM]

The main problem my partner is having is the screen. When it comes on line it lights up with a great display that can be tailored to about any configuration -- unless you are intimately familiar with it (and I have flown in front of all brands, Garmin, GRT, Dynon -- they all present the same issues to the unfamiliar) it can be overwhelming. I have sat for hours, with portable power hooked up, exploring and learning the screen ---and, I really like it and use it every day that I fly. But, it does take commitment.

I think what I am looking at, right now, is to build a plug-in panel that will contain an AS, ALT., VS and a simple EFIS (G5, GRT mini, D10A, or even a D3) that would not require any/minimal button pushing and would be small enough to not overwhelm. I have the autopilot switchable to eliminate necessity for the screen control. I have the AFS5600T mounted so that it will remove/replace easily. The new panel would have a manifold such that pitot/static lines would only require a quick connection. I could switch panels quickly.

Anyway, still thinking about it and kind of enjoying another potential project for the airplane!

Enjoy your weekend!

Ron

[Maverick 4003]

The potentiality exists perhaps N/A to all RV owners, as the article in "Kitplanes" 2017 did not differentiate A.C. models & types. Subscribers were asked to complete survey = indicating if they preferred steam or glass. The results were pub. the following mo. = High % under 40-44 group preferred glass. 45 & up preferred steam, w/ steam % preferences increasing w/ ea. upward 5 yr.age group. As others chime in, assume some recall this, (Paul Dye, Edit.,) ...mentioned in only perhaps the partner is in an upper age group.