The checklist calls for Avionics 1 to be on for startup, and I just wonder why? I’m not a pilot, but it is my understanding, that you should minimize the electrical load, while still running on the battery. What is on the Avionics 1-bus, that is essential for the start? I can understand that the G1000 Caravan needs the avionics to be on, to be able to display the engine gauges.

The run-up checklist calls for noticing an increase in ITT, when the inertial separator is on. I can’t notice any rise, is it imperceptible? Is it only noticeable during certain circumstances? Is it not modelled?

After shutting off the engine, and the avionics, the AP annunciator panel is still showing “ALT”. Is this correct behaviour? Even turning the battery off, and then on again, it’s still showing. On the Bonanza, for example, the annunciator panel turns off when the avionics are turned off.

After a completed flight and shutdown, turning the battery on again, the GENERATOR OFF annunciator stays extinguished. Should it not be illuminated? Not until I engaged the starter did it illuminate. Did I miss a step?

Now, the big one (sarcasm). Last checklist item before starting the engine, is the No smoking/seatbelt sign. I’m thinking to myself: “Nick is a sucker for details, I wonder if he’s modelled this sign”. Yes, there it is! But it’s not working. Oh, well, it doesn’t matter. Later, I find that the sign is absolutely working. Strange, this requires some digging. Turns out, you have to have Avionics 2 on, in order for this sign to work. Now, that doesn’t make sense, to me. Surely, the sign should light up, when it is called for in the checklist? And the Avionics 2 isn’t turned on until after the engine is already running.

I can’t put my finger on why, but there’s just something about the Caravan. It’s not fancy, it’s not fast. It’s utilitarian and a workhorse, and that’s... just strangely appealing to me. I’m having great fun, tremendous work! Thank you.