Step into any airplane built before the 2000s, and you’ll likely see the familiar “six-pack” of round analog gauges. Jump into a modern trainer like the Tecnam P-Mentor or a newer Piper Archer, and you’ll be greeted with a sleek digital glass display, powered by Garmin avionics like the G1000 or G3X.

At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, we believe in training on both systems—because while aviation technology continues to advance, every well-rounded pilot should be able to confidently fly with either setup. Here’s why.

What is a Six-Pack Cockpit?

The six-pack refers to the six primary flight instruments every pilot learns from day one:

Airspeed Indicator
Attitude Indicator
Altimeter
Turn Coordinator
Heading Indicator
Vertical Speed Indicator

These round-dial gauges have been the foundation of pilot training for decades. Many aircraft—especially older general aviation airplanes—still rely on them.

Pros of Six-Pack Training

Builds strong stick-and-rudder skills by forcing students to interpret multiple instruments.
Encourages better scanning techniques and instrument cross-checks.
Prepares pilots to fly older aircraft still in wide use.
Less intimidating for absolute beginners who may be overwhelmed by screens.

Cons of Six-Pack Training

Higher pilot workload when scanning six gauges in busy airspace or during IFR.
Lacks advanced safety features like moving maps, terrain, or traffic alerts.
Limited integration between navigation, performance, and situational awareness.

What is a Glass Cockpit?

A glass cockpit replaces round dials with digital displays that combine flight data, engine monitoring, maps, weather, and navigation into one integrated system. At Vertical Vision, our fleet features Garmin G1000 and G3X Touch systems, the industry standard for modern flight decks.

Pros of Glass Cockpit Training

Provides real-time situational awareness with moving maps, terrain warnings, and traffic.
Reduces workload by consolidating data in one place.
Mirrors what pilots will see in corporate jets, airliners, and advanced turboprops.
Easier transition into IFR operations and professional environments.

Cons of Glass Cockpit Training

Risk of over-reliance on automation and screens instead of developing raw flying skills.
Steeper learning curve at first glance, especially for brand-new students.
If the display fails, students must fall back on backup gauges or “partial panel” skills.

Why We Train on Both at Vertical Vision

We know that no two pilots take the same career path. Some will spend time in older six-pack-equipped aircraft, while others will quickly move into glass-equipped jets. That’s why our structured curriculum exposes students to both systems:

Glass Cockpit Training (Tecnam P-Mentors, Garmin G1000 Archers, Seminole): Prepares you for the technology you’ll see in airlines and corporate aviation.
Six-Pack Training (Select Pipers): Ensures you master core flying skills and can handle aircraft without advanced avionics.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just be a pilot who knows one system—you’ll be a pilot who can confidently step into any cockpit, anywhere.

Why We Primarily Train on Glass Cockpits

While we make sure every student gets exposure to both glass and six-pack cockpits, there’s a reason our curriculum is built around glass avionics. Simply put, glass cockpits better prepare pilots for the realities of modern aviation.

Real-World Relevance

Nearly every sector of aviation—from regional airlines to business jets to modern turboprops—relies on glass avionics. By training in Garmin G1000 and G3X-equipped aircraft, our students get a head start on the same systems they’ll see in their careers. Instead of “relearning” on their first jet type rating, they’re already fluent in the logic and layout of advanced flight displays.

Smarter Learning Curve

Glass cockpits consolidate dozens of tasks into a more intuitive, integrated system. Students see airspeed, altitude, heading, traffic, weather, and engine data all in one place, which:

Reduces cognitive workload in high-stress situations.
Allows instructors to introduce advanced topics—like IFR navigation, autopilot management, and systems integration—earlier in training.
Let’s students focus on decision-making and situational awareness instead of struggling with fragmented information.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is at the core of every training program, and glass cockpits provide powerful tools that simply don’t exist in traditional six-pack setups:

Terrain awareness and warning systems help prevent CFIT (controlled flight into terrain).
Traffic information services improve collision avoidance.
Integrated weather data keeps pilots ahead of changing conditions.
Redundancy and fail-safes ensure that even in the rare case of a display issue, students can rely on backups.

These features don’t replace pilot skill—they enhance it. Students develop stronger risk management habits and build confidence in environments that reflect real-world operations.

Efficiency and Progression

When students fly glass-equipped aircraft from day one, they progress faster toward career-ready skills. Complex concepts like IFR procedures, GPS navigation, and automation management aren’t bolted onto their training later—they’re woven in from the start. That means:

Shorter adaptation time when moving up to advanced ratings.
Stronger retention of knowledge, since concepts are reinforced every flight.
A smoother path from Private to Pro.

Bottom Line

At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, we primarily teach in glass cockpits because they set our students up for long-term success. By combining the strong foundational skills gained from six-pack training with the advanced, safety-focused advantages of glass avionics, our students graduate not just as licensed pilots—but as career-ready professionals.

Glass Cockpit vs. Six-Pack: Why We Train You on Both