Simulating the Aspen EFD1000 PFD

I am working with the Aspen EFD1000 Penn Avionics just put in my airplane. I have about four actual approaches with it, and 10 or so simulated ones. I just now had a wonderful success modeling my new Aspen with very little effort, so it prompted me to share this with you.

I set out to incorporate the simulator in my training to get the most out of the new electronic HSI and related systems. Flying scenarios helps me to develop solid scanning and flow patterns for IMC flight. While I knew I could get close with the Elite Sim, I was very pleasantly surprised with what I was able to accomplish in just a few minutes.
 
In order to simulate my Piper Twin Comanche (N833DF) with the new avionics, I am using a Baron with the Bendix King EFS 40/50 electronic AI and ESHI. These systems very closely model the Aspen EFD1000 PFD, Bendix King EFS 40/50or the other way around, depending on how you look at it. Configuring this equipment in the Baron takes a few mouse clicks, and I end up with an airplane simulation that very closely matches my new airplane. I spent an hour or so Thanksgiving morning fumbling around on the ground in much the same manner I have been doing in the air. I'll simulate again this morning to improve my scan, since the weather doesn't look great for solo training.
 
Rich B. and I were just talking about how to set up various airplane configurations on the Elite simulator to keep pilots comfortable with the experience. This is a procedures trainer after all, but some pilots do not like to accommodate different equipment while flying IMC. I know - I understand. Its taken me a long time to be able to jump in and fly just about any equipment, but I do so with higher minimums and an acute awareness. If the simulator instructor can get a pilot past the differences in equipment and flight control sensitivities, though, you do do some real good. These systems are incredibly valuable if you get your head in the right place and your instructor is intimately familiar with the operation of the simulator.  
 
My simulation runs this morning were intended to help me learn the Aspen EHSI and other features. I configured the Baron with a Garmin 430WAAS (compared to my 530W) and the Bendix/King EFS 40/50 to represent the Aspen. Damn if I this setup doesn't provide an excellent representations - right down to the auto course setting on the VOR and GPS with a button push. It is not identical, but it is an excellent way to learn and directly transferable.
 
To further enhance my training, I purchased a Sportys video on flying the Aspen EFD1000 PFD. This videio is worth a look for the $30 price if you are considering an Aspen, and its great if you already bought one. General operations are straight forward, but I did pick a number of things from the training. The MFD will get an other look in a few years. It might be worth incorporating after the other improvements I have planned.
 
Happy Flying!!
fed 11-27-2009