Cockpit Variations

Private Pilot License (PPL) Notes

This section covers the various cockpit variations you may encounter as your flying career progresses. It highlights differences in engine controls, fuel systems, instrument panels, and emphasizes the importance of adapting to different cockpit configurations.

Engine Controls Variations

• Throttle and mixture controls may be levers instead of push/pull knobs.

Fuel System Differences

• High wing Cessnas with carbureted engines:
  • Do not have fuel pumps; fuel is gravity-fed from the wings.
  • Fuel is drawn from both tanks simultaneously.
• Piper aircraft:
  • Fuel selector can draw fuel from either the left or right tank—not both simultaneously.
• Cessna 152:
  • Fuel control located between the seats.
  • Has only on/off positions.
  • Fuel is always drawn from both tanks at the same time.

Electrical System Differences

• Master switch may consist of two individual switches:
  • One for the battery.
  • One for the alternator.
• Ammeters:
  • Some show alternator output but do not indicate a discharging condition.

Instrument Panel Variations

• Airspeed Indicator:
  • May be marked in both miles per hour and knots.
• Altimeter:
  • Tens of thousands of feet indicated by a diamond reference mark instead of a pointer.

Glass Cockpits

• Electronic Instrument Panels:
  • Computer displays replace traditional mechanical instruments.
  • Feature a full-width horizon bar.
  • Vertical tapes replace round altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators.
• Turn Coordinator:
  • Replaced by a magenta arrow.
• Attitude Indicator:
  • Full-screen display for easier viewing.
  • Chevrons appear if the airplane is pitched too high or low, guiding back to level flight.
  • Other information may be removed during abnormal attitudes to focus attention.
• Markers or "Bugs":
  • Available on airspeed, altimeter, vertical speed tapes, and heading indicator.
  • Can control an autopilot or serve as helpful reminders.
• Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI):
  • Combines heading indicator with navigation information.
  • Automatically aligns to present the magnetic course.
• Automatic Calculations:
  • Calculates wind direction and speed at current altitude and location.
  • Useful for verifying planning but should not replace manual calculations.
• Engine Instruments:
  • Displayed on the multifunction display (MFD) along with a GPS-driven moving map.
• Garmin G-1000 System:
  • MFD can display all flight instruments if needed.
  • Navigation and communication radios are built-in.
• Considerations:
  • Glass cockpits provide extensive information.
  • May require additional time to master—consider when choosing a training aircraft.

Important Reminders

• No matter which model you fly:
  • As a VFR pilot, spend most of your time looking outside the cockpit.

Remember, adapting to different cockpit configurations is essential for a versatile flying career. Stay aware of the variations and focus on the fundamentals of flying.