The Elite AATD has a real Garmin 430 in it. Having the actual GPS in the sim makes the requisite "button pushing" much easier to learn. Garmin has made an effort to teach pilots how to use the Garmin GPS units by providing computer simulation programs. Unfortunately many people find it difficult to learn how to actually use the unit by use of the computer simulation programs. As instuctor Christine Killain put it, "Learning and operating a GPS unit relies on muscle memory, and that cannot be achieved with a software-only simulation."

Learning to use the IFR GPS in the sim is extremely effective, not to mention much less expensive than learning it in a plane. Combining sim sessions with the ground needed to understand the world of IFR GPS provide a true benefit to the pilot wanting to either learn or improve understanding of the Garmin GPS.

The breaking news in the world of GPS is the arrival of WAAS approaches, which will provide a new level of precision to airports. Sim Flite Minnesota anticipates having the current Garmin 430 becoming a Garmin 430W by the fall of 2007.


CSC DUATS An Alaskan Journal Links to other blogs Contact Us ADDS Weather North Star Flyers A Flight Instructor's Journal Video Clips Packages ADDS weather Our location Contact us Elite Simulator On-Line Schedule Our history Home




Copyright © Linda Dowdy, 2007-2008