Jaybird180
Final Approach
I ordinarily don’t get to fiddle with the various A/C systems much and would like to be able to utilize the equipment in the 172/U (with VFR GPS) I fly. I’m sure that given some ground time alone I could figure it out, but that’s not as much an option. I’d like the opportunity to flip switches and figure things out.
For example, on more than one occasion, CFI troubleshooting has solved a problem that turned out to be as simple as the audio panel being in the wrong configuration. Or this past weekend, we had to flip switches to get the panel lights on during a night flight. Now and forever more, I will need to be able to solve those same problems on my own while aviating, navigating and communicating; I start my solo cross-country phase soon.
FWIW, I tried RTFM for the GPS units and although I learned more about what they CAN do, the basic functions that my CFI has shown me has been more useful at this stage in my learning. But I can see some value in the things the CFI didn’t teach.
Which brings me to my question: I think that it would be extremely helpful if I could flip on the electrical and “play” with the A/C systems on the ground, but once I do that, the Hobbs is running. Anyone have advice on learning this stuff without using valuable AMUs?
For example, on more than one occasion, CFI troubleshooting has solved a problem that turned out to be as simple as the audio panel being in the wrong configuration. Or this past weekend, we had to flip switches to get the panel lights on during a night flight. Now and forever more, I will need to be able to solve those same problems on my own while aviating, navigating and communicating; I start my solo cross-country phase soon.
FWIW, I tried RTFM for the GPS units and although I learned more about what they CAN do, the basic functions that my CFI has shown me has been more useful at this stage in my learning. But I can see some value in the things the CFI didn’t teach.
Which brings me to my question: I think that it would be extremely helpful if I could flip on the electrical and “play” with the A/C systems on the ground, but once I do that, the Hobbs is running. Anyone have advice on learning this stuff without using valuable AMUs?