Is this panel alright for instrument rating?

CC268

CC268

Final Approach
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CC268
Hey guys,

I know this is pretty vague and the picture isn't the best - but is the layout of this panel conducive to a instrument rating? Or is this layed out in a manner that would make it difficult to do the instrument rating in?

One thing that concerns me is that the transponder is way out on the right
 

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Yes. Although a newer GPS would be nice.

Oh, and deep six the ADF.
 
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It would help if the AI and DG were switched but it is doable. I wouldn't be a big fan of the CDI being on the other side of the stack either, but also doable. If you fly it consistently, you can get used to it and develop a scan that conforms to the layout.
 
I only see 1 CDI display (way to the right) in there but 2 nav radios. Is the other is an HSI? I can't tell...
 
The transponder really isn't that much of a problem. You don't use it much while in IMC. But I don't like having CDIs on the right. And having the tach over there on a fixed pitch airplane is a little problematic. Not hugely so, but your scan will be a bit weird while making throttle changes.

More importantly, have you ever used a GX-55?
 
It's a odd layout, but totally fine for IFR training.
 
neilw2 said:
I only see 1 CDI display (way to the right) in there but 2 nav radios. Is the other is an HSI? I can't tell...
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The other NAV head is way at the bottom left of the panel.
 
@CC268 I think I saw that panel on controller or somethin'. Looks familiar...

If you want to upgrade, be prepared to spend 10-14K. Is replacing that GPS worth that much to you?

If not, panel is fine :)
 
MAKG1 said:
With only one knob, it can't be an HSI unless it's permanently slaved.
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Think it's just two normal nav heads, the one on the top right and the one on the bottom left, the DG is clearly just a standard issue DG.

Lots of analog HSIs adjustments are done on a separate switch, leaving only a OBS knob.
 
My dad said he would be willing to rearrange the avionics if need be...
 
This really is a beautiful plane but I just want to make sure I could do the instrument rating in it...thanks a lot for the feedback thus far
 
CC268 said:
My dad said he would be willing to rearrange the avionics if need be...
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This for sure. I've flown similar equipment just fine, the T 6 pack though will make it way more efficient and easier to jump into any steam gauge airplane.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Yea I think he is gonna check into the cost to rearrange...not sure if that's like a 2000 dollar thing or 10,000 dollar thing
 
Oh and what specifically do you guys mean by the T arrangement?
 
Sure. I'm doing it with the same panel layout. Makes for an odd scan, but you get used to it.
 
FastEddieB said:
It would work, but I'd prefer a student learn with a standard "T" arrangement - Law of Primacy and all that.
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You get used to what's in front of you pretty quick if you own. Otherwise there isn't much you can do about it.
 
CC268 said:
Oh and what specifically do you guys mean by the T arrangement?
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In the late 1960s most general aviation manufacturers voluntarily agreed to standardize the arrangement of the basic flight instruments into the 'T': Gyro horizon at top center with gyro compass directly below; airspeed at top left and altimeter at top right. Turn & bank (or later, turn coordinator) on the lower left and rate-of-climb on the lower right filled out the "six-pack", like so:

pa-28-140_1970_pnl.jpg


Radio gear, switches, engine instruments, etc., could still be scattered about anywhere, depending on the manufacturer.
 
Thanks! My dad talked to a very well known A&P out at KDVT and he said he could switch the instruments around no problem (and it won't cost us that much either!)
 
Pilawt said:
In the late 1960s most general aviation manufacturers voluntarily agreed to standardize the arrangement of the basic flight instruments into the 'T': Gyro horizon at top center with gyro compass directly below; airspeed at top left and altimeter at top right. Turn & bank (or later, turn coordinator) on the lower left and rate-of-climb on the lower right filled out the "six-pack", like so:

pa-28-140_1970_pnl.jpg


Radio gear, switches, engine instruments, etc., could still be scattered about anywhere, depending on the manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Good God, is that an A/N receiver in the radio stack?
 
MAKG1 said:
Good God, is that an A/N receiver in the radio stack?
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That be a Narco Mark III ... You can talk (on any one of 90 channels)! You can navigate with VOR! ... just not at the same time. Although if I remember correctly, when the receiver is tuned to a VOR frequency, the transmitter is automatically set to 122.1, so you can talk to FSS while listening over the VOR. And all this in a unit no bigger than a breadbox!

That was hot stuff in 1969. :)

The later (1971) version of that was the Narco Escort 110. Our school's then-new Cherokee 140 trainer had one of those as the #2 radio behind a Mark 12B. Only the Mark 12B spent most of its time on the radio shop bench, so the Escort was the only radio aboard. That was fun, since we operated at what was then the fourth busiest airport in the country (LGB).
 
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