Aspen E5 IFR Tutorial: ILS Setup, Autopilot Integration, and Gotchas

The Aspen E5 is becoming a common IFR upgrade—but many pilots never learn how to properly set it up for an ILS in the real world, especially when paired with a GPS navigator and legacy autopilot. In this video, we fly a full ILS approach from vectors using an Aspen E5 PFD/HSI, a GTN-style navigator, and a dual-axis autopilot to show: How to correctly transition from GPS to localizer Manual vs automatic vectors-to-final setup Proper heading, altitude, and vertical speed management How the flight director and autopilot actually work together Where pilots most commonly get tripped up during ILS setup How to manage minimums, modes, and hotkeys without task saturation This tutorial assumes you already understand glass cockpit basics and focuses instead on workflow, mode awareness, and IFR decision-making—the skills that matter in busy airspace and real IMC. If you’re transitioning into an Aspen-equipped aircraft, instructing in one, or just want to sharpen your IFR systems knowledge, this is how the system is meant to be used. ✈️ FlightInsight training is designed to make you a systems-savvy IFR pilot. Check out our full glass cockpit transition and IFR courses at the link below https://www.flight-insight.com/ifr https://www.flight-insight.com/g1000 Check out Todd at Solid Ground Aviation at https://flysolidground.com