Light Sport Aircraft
Flight Crew Sport / Recreational
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30.4; Flight Crew Total 130.5; Flight Crew Type 117.3
Training / Qualification; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
I flew my Jabiru J230-SP Light Sport Aircraft from my home airport to ZZZ and it was my first time flying outside of my home State as PIC. We left ZZZ for a local flight to the northwest over rural country at 2;500 FT MSL. After an hour or so we decided to return to ZZZ; and I flew directly east until I was approximately fourteen miles northeast of ZZZ.My intention was to make a right turn to the southwest and set up for a straight-in approach. My airplane is equipped with a Garmin G3X EFIS with a separate PFD and MFD and TIS-A traffic. At this point in the flight; I had set the GPS 'Direct To' function on my PFD to ZZZ; and the magenta 'Course Pointer' on my HSI indicated the direction to the airport. I had also set my MFD to its full-screen 'Traffic Page' rather than its 'Map Page' which displays the aircraft position on the moving map. While both of those MFD pages display traffic information; the 'Map Page' is cluttered and it can be difficult to quickly determine the position; altitude; and heading of other aircraft. In contrast; the 'Traffic Page' presents a clear view of the position; altitude; and heading of other aircraft against a black background with range rings at 2 NM and 6 NM. Garmin recommends using the 'Traffic Page' as the primary method for viewing traffic information and given that the airspace was very congested; that is what I did. Prior to making the right turn to the southwest; I heard the pilot of a Cirrus SR20 announce on the CTAF/UNICOM frequency that he was on final for Runway 24 at ZZZ. I then observed the Cirrus crossing my flight path three miles ahead of me on a southwest heading and descending. After waiting for the Cirrus to safely pass; I executed a 150 degree right turn and began descending to follow the Cirrus. Looking down quickly at my PFD; I saw that the course pointer and CDI on my HSI were aligned; indicating that I was on course. And looking ahead; I saw an airport directly in front of me.At this point in the flight; I was encountering both moderate turbulence as well as gusting crosswinds. Focusing on landing the plane safely; I devoted the majority of my energy and attention to directional control; crosswind correction; and staying ahead of the airplane; to maintain positive control throughout the approach and landing; in addition to running through my landing checklist and making the usual trim; throttle; and flap adjustments. It was not until my landing flare that I had my first inkling that the airport and the surrounding area did not look familiar; and; it was not until my roll-out that I saw the runway closure markers and scanned my surroundings that I fully realized my mistake. After turning onto the nearest taxiway; I changed my MFD to the map page and was chagrined to see that I had landed seven miles short of ZZZ. LESSONS LEARNED AND CORRECTIVE ACTION: Even though my actions did not put other aircraft or people on the ground at risk; or result in any injuries or property damage; I still take them very seriously. In situations where winds; turbulence; and congested airspace complicate flying and navigation; I will recognize the challenges more clearly and therefore be prepared to address them better. When I am going to fly into an unfamiliar area I will plan every flight as if it is a solo cross country. And I am reevaluating how I utilize the resources and technologies in my cockpit. For example; while setting my MFD to its traffic page gave me a better view of traffic in the area; it reduced my awareness of my position; something that could have been avoided by switching between the map and traffic page on my MFD; or; by regularly checking a VFR Sectional Chart. (I had both a paper VFR Sectional Chart and an iPad running Garmin pilot with me). I have already discussed all of the above with my CFI and we have scheduled three flight lessons over the next two weeks to begin addressing these issues.
The pilot of a Jabiru J230-SP Light Sport Aircraft landed on a marked-closed runway at an airport 7 miles from his intended destination in daylight VMC conditions.