The 5-Step Magenta Standard Evaluation List.

Every piece of hardware or software reviewed by Magenta Debrief is audited against five professional pillars to ensure it serves as a true procedural training device.

  1. Mechanics: Does this hardware mimic the travel and "weight" of General Aviation controls? We audit for the physical fidelity required to build healthy, transferable muscle memory—not just "gaming" feedback.
  2. Tactility: Does the device allow for "eyes-outside" operation? Authentic flight training requires a pilot to keep their eyes on the horizon. We favor hardware with high-quality, tactile knobs and switches that can be operated by feel alone.
  3. Operational Integration: Does the gear play nice with the pilot’s other tools?
    • Digital: Does it provide seamless sync with regional EFBs like AvPlan and ForeFlight?
    • Physical: Is it ergonomically compatible with real-world pilot tools like kneeboards, iPad mounts, and proper seating posture?
  4. Procedural Value: Does this specific tool assist a student in mastering a syllabus requirement or passing a checkride? We prioritize gear that provides measurable ROI, such as throttle quadrants that have been shown to reduce the sessions needed to master power management by up to 30%.
  5. Price: How is this priced compared with the value it creates for the pilot? We evaluate cost through the lens of flight-hour savings. If a piece of hardware prevents even a few hours of remedial dual instruction at $400/hr, it is a strategic investment rather than an expense.