User Guide

48 Garmin G1000 Pilot’s Training Guide 190-00368-05 Rev. A
emergency. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the pilot double-check all autopilot inputs in order
to avoid mode confusion and monitor them to ensure that the intended operation is taking place.
If equipped with a GFC 700 AFCS, it is also important for pilots to understand the capabilities
and limitations of the system. For example, loosing number two Integrated Avionics Unit (GIA
#2) causes the autopilot to be disabled; however, the flight director function will still be
available. This allows pilots to program the flight direct as an additional tool for assistance
during flight.
COMMUNICATION AND NAVIGATION
While the autopilot is the single most valuable tool for SRM, it is also important that the pilot
develop a consistent approach to using the communication (COM) and navigation (NAV) tools
present in the G1000 System. The two COM and NAV receivers combined with the ability to
tune COM and NAV frequencies from the Jeppesen database give the pilot a streamlined process
for frequency selection and management.
A typical methodology for COM/NAV frequency management is to designate COM1 and NAV1
as the primary airborne and enroute frequencies. COM2 can then be reserved for both weather
(ATIS, ASOS, AWOS) and ground frequencies. Meanwhile, NAV2 is set as the backup to NAV1.
If established as part of a standard operating procedure, these selections help to minimize
confusion over which COM and/or NAV is selected and active. When a consistent approach to
frequency management is not used, the pilot is more likely to run into mode confusion
concerning the use of the Audio Panel (GMA 1347); this can in turn lead to missed radio calls
and/or transmissions on the incorrect frequency.
FLIGHT PLANNING
While managing frequencies for ground-based NAVAIDs is important, proper use of the GPS
flight planning function can also prove beneficial. Rather than performing continuous direct-to
navigation with the GPS, taking the time on the ground to enter a full flight plan allows the
G1000 to enhance the navigation experience. First, the pilot will be able to visually inspect the
route of flight on the map, once at altitude, to verify both terrain clearance (using the Terrain
Awareness overlay) and active airspaces (if active, MOAs and Restricted areas call for a re-routing
from ARTCC). Secondly, using the flight planning function allows for seamless autopilot turn
anticipation. Finally, taking a moment to program the flight plan on the ground makes it easier
to react quickly to in-flight routing changes. Pilots should program the flight plan prior to
takeoff on even short cross-country flights.
Likewise, the maps on both the Multi Function Display (MFD) and Primary Flight Display
(PFD) help the pilot to manage the navigation functions of the system. By using the maps to
verify GPS navigation inputs, the pilot is able to visually cross-check data entry by looking at the
course lines drawn on the map. This visual representation of the active navigation is the
quickest way to determine whether all of the correct waypoints were entered for the intended
route of flight.