Jeff, I agree with most of what you said. Cessna likely will sell alot of these planes and most buyers will be thrilled with their new hi-tech electronic panel.
I on the other hand, was shocked the first time I saw a glass cockpit in a certified airplane. The first thought that entered my mind was "What happens when that goes blank?" The second was "How screwed are you if you're far from home when it happens?" The third was "What is going to happen when these planes get older?". I think you get the idea. Part of what I do for a living involves staring at prototypes (or drawings) to identify and suggest ways to fix weaknesses. It is just the way I think. That's why you hear me whining so much about not being able to work on my own plane.
All else being equal, I would opt not to have a display like that in my plane and you'll have a heck of a time convicing me otherwise. If I was in a position to by a new 172 or Cirrus, I would consider a glass cockpit or Primary Flight Display a liability, not an asset.
Royson, my intention was not to beat up Cessna's new plane. I truly hope that the new LSAs give General Aviation the shot in the arm it needs.
Bill, I'm with you! If being able to drop 100K on a toy makes you middle class, then I'm not doing as well as I thought I was. Maybe they will come ou with a less fancy model, but it probably won't have a signifigantly lower price. A 152 wasn't really that cheap when new.
As for the castering front wheel, I trained in a Katana that was equipped that way. That is no disadvantage in my book. You'll just need to be a little more conscious of the wind and your use of the rudder on the ground. No big deal.
