The pilot who trained in the 1970s learned on round-dial steam gauges, paper charts, and a VOR receiver. Today's student pilots learn on Garmin G1000 glass cockpits, ForeFlight, and online ground school. The technology has transformed the training experience — but the underlying skills and knowledge required to be a safe, competent pilot are the same as they ever were.
Glass Cockpit Avionics
Garmin G1000, G3X, Dynon — modern avionics have replaced the six-pack of analog instruments with integrated primary flight displays and multi-function displays. Glass cockpits require training on:
- Situational awareness management — using the moving map without becoming head-down
- Automation management — knowing when to use the autopilot and when to hand-fly
- Glass scan technique — different eye movement pattern than traditional instrument scan
FAA requirement: Commercial pilot applicants must log 10 hours in a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) featuring glass cockpit avionics.
ForeFlight
The iPad-based Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) has become the standard tool in professional aviation for flight planning, weather assessment, charts, navigation, and weight & balance. ForeFlight aggregates METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, TFRs, and NOTAMs into a single interface.
Learning ForeFlight well is a practical skill that will serve you from Private Pilot training through airline operations. Most airlines use EFBs operationally.
Flight Simulators
From desktop simulators (X-Plane, Microsoft Flight Simulator) to FAA-approved Aviation Training Devices (ATDs) and Full Flight Simulators — simulation complements actual flight training effectively.
- FAA allows up to 2.5 hours of simulator time toward Private Pilot certificate (Part 61)
- Significant simulator time can count toward instrument rating
- Desktop simulators (non-FAA-approved) are valuable for practicing procedures and flows at no cost
Online Ground School
High-quality video ground school is now available from multiple providers:
- King Schools — classic, comprehensive video courses for all certificates
- Sporty's — well-produced modern courses with strong written test prep
- Gleim — rigorous written test prep with strong question banks
- Bold Method — excellent visual explanations of complex concepts (aerodynamics, weather)
Scheduling Software
Modern flight schools use scheduling platforms to manage aircraft and instructor availability, billing, student progress tracking, and compliance documentation. Parrish Aviation uses FlyFourForces (FourForces) for real-time booking, progress tracking, and account management — giving students full visibility into their training and finances.
Technology Doesn't Replace Fundamentals
GPS can fail. Automation can mislead. Tablets run out of battery. Every technology-assisted procedure requires a pilot who understands the underlying skill — dead reckoning navigation, hand-flying approaches, manual weight and balance calculations.
Technology improves efficiency and safety when used by a knowledgeable, proficient pilot. In the hands of a pilot who never learned the fundamentals, technology masks deficiencies until a failure reveals them at the worst possible moment.
At Parrish Aviation, we train technology-competent pilots who also understand what the technology is doing — and can operate without it when necessary.
Ready to Start Your Aviation Journey?
Parrish Aviation — FAA Part 141 Flight School at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD)