Patch's Flight Schools Guide

Should I train in a modern airplane with the Garmin G1000 glass panel display? Some flight schools are converting to 100% glass panel.

This is a question a lot of new students will be asking themselves. The answer if fairly simple. If you can afford the additional cost of the G1000, go for it.

Typically the cost difference between flying a plane equipped with the G1000 versus one with the round steam gauges is about $50 an hour. If the typical student pilot requires approximately 55 hours (this is my estimate, not official) before getting their Private Pilots Certificate, that adds up to $2750 in additional cost. Can you afford that?From a selfish point of view, I would love to see people demanding the G1000. When people do that, flight schools and FBO’s tend to keep more of them on hand. That means, when I want to rent one, it’s probably going to be there. I like that.To be completely honest, it’s foolish to train in the G1000. Get your private pilots certificate with the old fashioned steam gauges like the rest of us did. Then, once you’ve passed your checkride, invest about 2 hours getting checked out in the G1000. That will cost you an additional $100. Saving you over $2500. That kind of money will buy you a lot of fun trips with your family.Don’t spent a ton of money on the latest equipment when you’re getting your initial certificate. What you’re learning isn’t dependent on high tech gadgets. At this stage in the game, it’s about the fundamentals of flight. It’s about keeping your eyes outside of the cockpit not staring at some shiny new gauges. A 152 (if you’ll fit with your instructor) with the basics will do just fine.

Some people will get there PPSEL with the steam gauges and then switch to glass panel when they start to work on their Instrument Rating. That makes sense, since you’re more likely to use all that the G1000 has to offer.

The only other reason you might want to start with the G1000 (and even then it’s still questionable) is if you’re planning on becoming a commercial pilot and head to the airlines. But, I would still hold off on it until you get to the Instrument Rating.