Cirrus SR22-G3 (2008) Cirrus Standard Cockpit in an SR22-G3 (2008)
Early Cirrus Cockpit (1999-2001) Early Cirrus Cockpit (1999-2001)

Garmin's G1000 glass cockpit (as used in Cessna, Diamond and some other general aviation aircraft)

Incorporating the widely used GNS 430s and other popular Garmin equipment into a package with all information shown on two screens, the G1000 is Garmin's "off the shelf" glass cockpit. Knobs and buttons on the screen bezels are used for control.

The common criticism of the G1000 in media reviews is all those buttons and knobs. The sheer number and duplication of switches and buttons is not only unnecessary, but potentially confusing.

Cirrus, though, notes that the G1000 depends on a single AHRS (Attitude/Heading Reference System – the electronic gyro) as attitude source for PFD, MFD (also acting as a backup PFD), and autopilot.

This means that everything in the G1000 is dependent on one component (that AHRS). Further, the autopilot is set up to disconnect if virtually anything in the whole G1000 system fails.

This demands an immediate transition to hand-flying using (sometimes very small) backup instruments.

This is further discussed in The Cirrus Approach.

Cirrus Standard Cockpit

The two pictures to the right show the evolution of the Cirrus avionics. It's easy to see that Cirrus anticipated glass cockpits and designed to accomodate them.

While the optional Cirrus Perspective™(by Garmin) cockpit gets a lot of media attention the standard Cirrus cockpit, offered in SR20, SR22 and SR22 Turbo airplanes, gives extraordinary value and utility.

Key elements of all Cirrus cockpits are:

  • Primary flight instruments directly in front of the pilot
  • The center of the airplane accomodates a large-screen MFD (multi-function display) for moving map, engine details, checklists, approach plates and other auxiliary information
  • The pilot's right hand operates the inevitable knobs, buttons and switches
  • Full-size backup instruments right below the primary instruments (where applicable)

The centerpiece of all Cirrus avionics suites has always been Garmin equipment. Cirrus was the first manufacturer to adopt the now ubiquitous GNS 430. Garmin audio panel and transponder have always completed the CNS (Communication, Navigation and Surveillance) suite.

The Standard Cirrus Cockpit continues to use that familiar (to both Cirrus owners and many others) Garmin equipment. The following notes describe all the other components that make up a panel that is "greater than the sum of its parts."

Various sensors and components lie behind the scenes. Traffic, weather, and terrain information come from a variety of suppliers including L-3 Communications (formerly Goodrich) and Bendix-King. Weather from satellites is linked into the MFD. Information in the form of databases are also integrated - in general supplied by Jeppesen.

Avidyne PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD are added. This combines what has become a modern classic (GNS 430) with all its broad familiarity, training, and support infrastructure with an un-intimidating glass cockpit. An excellent system for both novice pilots and experienced hands.

Upcoming availability of European weather displays continues to make the Avidyne MFD an attractive option.

Avidyne and Cirrus pioneered the use of PFDs together. Over 3,500 Cirrus airplanes are now operating with Avidyne PFDs and even more with MFDs. Together we changed the industry – PFDs are now the standard on virtually all new airplanes.

Other glass cockpit systems have emerged in the years since but none match the intuitive use that is an Avidyne trademark.

Cirrus, Garmin, Avidyne and others have combined to produce an outstanding cockpit. One that even airline pilots admire and covet.