Cirrus SR22 Perspective Panel Cirrus SR22 Perspective Panel (June 2008)
Cirrus Avidyne-based Cockpit (2004 et seq.) Cirrus Avidyne-based Cockpit (2004 et seq.)
Early Cirrus Cockpit (circa 2000) Early Cirrus Cockpit (circa 2000)

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

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 G1000 applications depend 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 Cockpit Evolution

It's easy to see (pictures on the right) that Cirrus anticipated glass cockpits and designed the Cirrus SR20 and SR22 family of aircraft to accomodate them.

While the Cirrus Perspective™(by Garmin) cockpit gets a lot of media attention Cirrus cockpits have always offered exceptional capability and value.

The Avidyne (PFD/MFD) Cirrus cockpit has been available as a Cirrus cockpit for several years and is still offered on all Cirrus models.

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 falls naturally to operate 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 GPS equipment. Cirrus was the first manufacturer to adopt the now ubiquitous GNS 430. Cirrus Perspective also has Garmin GPS at its heart. Garmin audio panel and transponder have always completed the CNS (Communication, Navigation and Surveillance) suite.

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.

The Avidyne (PFD/MFD) cockpit 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 (announced mid-2008 by Avidyne) of worldwide weather displays continues to make the Avidyne MFD an attractive option.