Topic focus: DA 40 with G1000 avionics and related systems
Required manual for on-board equipment: every airplane avionics/equipment should have a manual inside the aircraft
Specific manuals mentioned:
DA 40 with G1000 pilot guide (G1000 pilot’s guide) in the cockpit
Different DA 40s may have different backup attitude indicators; ensure you have the corresponding manual for the backup attitude indicator in your airplane (one example mentioned as two different types of indicators)
DA 40 and DA 20s have manuals for the various radios; some include SD cards; discuss line replacement of components
The first study section is System Overview; plan to take notes on this later
System Overview (G1000 architecture and LRUs)
Emphasis on system overview as the first study topic
Two main line replaceable units (LRUs) in the DA 40 G1000 system:
PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multi-Function Display) communicate via a high-speed data bus and Ethernet
Each display is paired to an Integrated Avionics Unit (IAU)
IAUs (Integrated Avionics Units): two independent IAUs in the DA 40, each with its own GPS receiver
Important note: The two IAUs are not paired with each other directly; they operate independently, each with its own GPS
Audio panel: communicates with both IAUs and provides nav/comms, intercom, and marker beacon functions
Schematic reference (relevant diagram in notes):
PFD, MFD, Audio Panel, GIA 1, GIA 2, IAU, Air Data Computer (ADC), AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System), magnetometer, transponder, engine, airframe
The schematic is important for memorization in instrument checks and understanding overall data flow
Two GPS receivers mean dual GPS capability, contributing to redundancy and integrity of the navigation data
Navigation data path and system integration basics will be tested in exams, including where major components sit and how they connect
Key Display and Instrumentation Concepts
PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multi-Function Display): central flight information hub
HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator) on the PFD; CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) as a coarse deviation indicator
In-cockpit indicators include:
Airspeed indicator
Altitude indicator
Altimeter
VSI (Vertical Speed Indicator) or vertical deviation indicators
Glide slope (GS) and glide path indicators
The system also includes an intercom and PA system for passenger briefing; this is accessible via the headset and microphone
Passenger briefing protocol: always perform a passenger briefing before start-up; practice repeatedly so it becomes automatic on stage checks
Flight Instruments and Transition to G1000 Tapes
Transition from traditional six-pack instruments to PFD taping and flight data via G1000
Supplemental flight data and alerting functions on the G1000 will be covered
Altitude alerts and approaches: altitude/low altitude annunciations, minimum descent altitude (MDA), or decision height (DH) alerting
On some aircraft, the cockpit voice volume can be very loud; adjust volume as needed for comfort and safety
Flight Planning and Direct-To Features on G1000
On the G1000, there are many flight planning features:
Nearest pages and options
Direct-to navigation (direct-to capabilities)
VNAV (Vertical Navigation)
Trip planning, trip statistics, and fuel planning
Display of airways on the flight plan (airway visualization)
Weather and navigation planning tools such as waypoint entry and direct routing
Shortcuts and quick tuning: you can enter frequencies in the G1000 and have them auto-populate the comms and nav radios to save button presses
There are intersection data, NDB information, and the nearest page that unlocks multiple related features
Direct-to, Intersections, and Navigation Data
Direct-to capabilities help you select destinations quickly from the G1000
Intersections and NDB information are accessible via the nearest and intersection data
Nearest pages expand into many other options beyond simple proximity data
XM radio: some aircraft include XM satellite radio; note that one can be difficult to shut off via normal means and may require turning off the master switch
Multi-crew or cross-cockpit caution: if XM radio advertising channels appear, you may need to manage the audio or switch-off with the master switch
Optional Equipment and Advanced Features
Optional equipment categories include: 500 StormScope, Terrain Proximity, and Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TOS/Terrain and Warning System)
FIS-B and TIS-B: Information and Traffic Information available from government ADS-B feeds; FIS-B for weather, TIS-B for traffic
ADS-B information integration in the system supports these data services
Automatic Flight Control System (Autopilot) and Flight Director
Autopilot model in DA 40 is the GFC 700
Flight Director operations and pitch modes; roll modes are numerous and varied
Several disengagement methods exist for autopilot control; the system provides guidance through Defensive Safety features
Status alerts associated with autopilot: overspeed protection, safe taxi functions, etc.; these features help manage taxiing and flight safety
Modern avionics bundles may include enhanced taxi diagrams, which allow you to visualize taxi movements; some models provide a moving miniature aircraft on taxi charts
Note on charts: built-in charts on the G1000 are optional and may require additional equipment or licenses; some advanced Cirrus panels feature integrated checklists and weight and balance directly on-screen (described as sophisticated and expensive)
Cirrus vs. G1000: Design and Automation Illustrations (Contextual Example)
Cirrus airplanes demonstrated high levels of automation: weight and balance on touchscreen, on-screen checklists that prevent moving forward until each item is completed
The Cirrus example is given for contrast with training DA 40, and notes the higher cost and complexity of the Cirrus automation package
Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and Integrated Avionics Architecture
PFD and MFD are Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)
Each PFD/MFD pair has data communication via high-speed data bus and Ethernet; each display is paired to its own IAU
IAUs are two separate units (IAU 1 and IAU 2), each having its own GPS receiver
The two IAUs do not communicate directly with each other; they act as independent hubs that connect to avionics and sensors
Audio panel wiring: communicates with both IAUs to provide nav/comm/intercom/mast beacons functionality
The standard schematic (referenced as page 5 or 6 in materials) highlights important components:
PFD, MFD, Audio Panel, GIA 1, GIA 2, IAU, Air Data Computer (ADC), AHRS, magnetometer, transponder, engine, airframe
Students should memorize the locations and roles of these components for instrument checks
Core Subsystems and Components
ADC (Air Data Computer): provides pressure altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and outside air temperature (OAT) to the G1000
AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System): attitude and heading data; contains accelerometers and rate sensors; interfaces with magnetometer and ADC
Magnetometer: provides magnetic field information; located in the wing area; contributes to magnetometer data for AHRS and GPS integration
IAU (Integrated Avionics Unit): main central processing hubs; two IAUs in the DA 40; each has GPS receivers
GIA (Garmin Interface Assembly or equivalent) units (GIA 1, GIA 2): interface with the IAUs, audio panel, and flight deck systems
Transponder: supports Mode A, C, and S capabilities
Engine and Airframe data: monitored via the integrated stack, including engine indications and airframe health information
Attitude Instrument Flying (AIF) and Instrument Flying Handbook Concepts
Friday focus: Attitude Instrument Flying (AIF) and TAA aircraft concepts
Definitions and concepts to review:
Attitude Instrument Flying (AIF): reliance on attitude and primary flight instruments for flight control in IMC
TAA (Trained for Approach or technically advanced aircraft): a concept referenced for instrument flying in newer aircraft
Primary supporting instruments for state of flight: the core instruments used for attitude and flight control
Two basic methods used for attitude instrument flying: (1) controlling performance and (2) controlling attitude, as foundational approaches in AIF
Notes for the Instrument Flying Handbook:
Study the concept of omission fixation (often discussed in instrument flying handbooks)
Understand what a TAA aircraft is
Complex aircraft definition: a complex aircraft has all three features: controllable-pitch propeller, flaps, and retractable landing gear
For instrument checks, be prepared to explain system architecture and instrument operation, not just memorize numbers
Practical Tips and Exam-Readiness
Expect quizzes that test your ability to identify components on schematics (PFD, MFD, Audio Panel, GIA, IAU, ADC, AHRS, magnetometer, transponder, engine, airframe)
Although specific model numbers (e.g., 63 W or 10-40s) may appear, focus on the functional labels: PFD, MFD, IAU 1, IAU 2, ADC, AHRS, magnetometer, transponder, engine, airframe
For the instrument flying portion, be ready to discuss:
Two-method approach to attitude control
Definition and implications of a complex aircraft
The role of the G1000 and IAUs in attitude and flight data management
Quick Reference: Key Terms and Acronyms
ADC: Air Data Computer
AHRS: Attitude and Heading Reference System
IAU: Integrated Avionics Unit
GIA: Garmin Interface Assembly (interface units for avionics and audio systems)
GPS: Global Positioning System receiver(s)
PFD: Primary Flight Display
MFD: Multi-Function Display
VSI: Vertical Speed Indicator
HSI: Horizontal Situation Indicator
CDI: Course Deviation Indicator
VNAV: Vertical Navigation
FIS-B: Flight Information Service-Broadcast
TIS-B: Traffic Information Service-Broadcast
XM Radio: satellite radio service used on some aircraft systems
StormScope: weather radar system for storm detection
Terrain Proximity and TOS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System)
Focus areas for Friday include: Attitude Instrument Flying, TAA concepts, and the definition of a complex aircraft
Ensure you can explain the layout and function of the schematic components and the data flow between ADC, AHRS, magnetometer, IAUs, and displays
Practice explaining the passenger briefing process, including how to engage the PA system and communicate with back-seat passengers
Review the differences between G1000 features available at baseline and those available with optional equipment (e.g., charts, on-screen checklists, taxi diagrams)
Be comfortable with the concept of reversionary mode and its role in maintaining display function when part of the system fails
Remember the operational emphasis on safety and situational awareness when using automation (autopilot, VNAV, direct-to) in varied flight conditions