On 3/21/2022 7:25 PM, Phillip Matheson via KRnet wrote:
Agree with Larry
But we all like different systems.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My post was not intended to call anyone's baby ugly. It's just that a
lot of needed info can be had with round gauges and an $80 tablet
running $100 software. In reality, the only thing you will do on a
cross country is fly a heading that keeps you on the magenta line at an
altitude with the best winds with a selected power setting. Heading and
ground speed are what gets you to the destination and ETA is nice to
know when you'll arrive. Even IAS and TAS are of little value in
determining any changes you'll make during flight. Even when adjusting
power / mixture for the best fuel burn you look for best economy or best
ground speed. As to winds, I know the forecast for winds at altitude
and have a general idea of intended altitude. At 1000 foot increments I
compare the ground speed to the indicated airspeed to determine best
winds for highest ground speed. Accuracy of IAS is not an issue as this
is comparison only. Given that, I may climb higher or descend to a
better altitude. Just knowing that I have a 30 degree quartering head
wind a 60 degree quartering tailwind or a 90 degree crosswind is of no
value as it will not change the ground speed I'm getting. I fly the
magenta line with a given power setting at the altitude for the best
ground speed and safety.
The greatest gains I see in flat screens is weight savings and the
ability to set alarms. I've got 50+ years on round gauges and only 5 or
6 hours of solo PIC on flat screens. The one negative I faced on the
flat screen was information overload and having to "hunt" for the
information I wanted. That's not a problem at altitude but on short
final I want to know at a glance which of those numbers are airspeed,
altitude, decent rate, and in the case of a high rpm geared auto engine,
the power setting. One or two mph on a round gauge is hardly noticeable
but that number "scrolling" on a flat screen will have you chasing the
number if not careful.
Just my opinion / observation so go with what you want / like. Flat
screens are so versatile that you can set them to display the way you
want and I'm sure you'll get comfortable in time even if they are new to
you. We used to use pen, paper, and telephones to communicate and look
how we do it now without giving it a second thought.
Larry Flesner
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