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4 Answers

Partial Panel

Asked by: 1770 views
Instrument Rating

During my next IFR practice, I would like to include a partial panel exercise.  The airplane, beside gyro instruments, has a GTN 650.  Is it realistic to cover the AI & DG & follow ATC magnetic compass, timed turns but also continue following the 650 for guidance? 

Or, am I simulating both a gyro failure & electrical failure & the 650 should be covered, too?  Thank you.

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4 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Aug 16, 2020

    If you have an electrical failure as well as a gyro failure, how would you keep the shiny side up with no attitude indicator and no turn coordinator?

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  2. KDS on Aug 16, 2020

    The cat and duck method.

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  3. Best Answer


    Mark Kolber on Aug 16, 2020

    Oh, sorry. To actually answer your question, yes it is realistic to use your GPS in a partial panel situation. You don’t even really need compass turns or timed turns. You can use the difference between Track and Desired Track to give you situational awareness and time your roll-outs far more accurately than with either of the pre-GPS methods..

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  4. Ray Svobodny on Aug 16, 2020

    Mark, thank you for your 2nd response. I was worried my question was not being taken seriously but now you’ve given me something to work with next practice.

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