Glass cockpit upgrades replace analog gauges with digital displays, providing pilots with more efficient and organized information. The system improves situational awareness, monitors aircraft systems, and eliminates unnecessary distractions. Additional training is recommended before using the system. Highly sophisticated systems feature multi-function and primary flight displays, engine indication, and crew alert systems.
The term “glass cockpit” describes an upgrade to an aircraft’s flight deck so that it features digital displays instead of traditional analog gauges. Typically fitted to high-end general aviation planes and aircraft, a glass cockpit provides pilots with a higher level of information in a more efficient manner compared to conventional cockpits. The screens vary in size and are capable of displaying navigation, system and weather information in a highly organized manner. This type of instrumentation is useful for the flight crew, who can collect more information in a shorter period of time.
The main purpose of a glass cockpit system is to improve the situational awareness of the flight crew. Pilots can monitor aircraft systems like engines, hydraulics, and tires with the push of a button. With conventional cockpit layouts, pilots must consult many different instruments to obtain the same information. Glass cockpit systems come in different levels of complexity, some with traffic announcements, weather data links, and even satellite radio.
General aviation aircraft with glass cockpit systems often feature two or three displays along with back-up instruments. These backup instruments are necessary in case of failure of the primary system. General aviation aircraft with this type of system also have a backup battery to supplement the primary battery, both of which can be recharged from the aircraft’s alternator. Pilots should consider completing additional training with a certified flight instructor before moving from traditional aircraft instrumentation to glass cockpit systems.
Highly sophisticated glass cockpit systems, such as those found on commercial aircraft, feature a design consisting of a multi-function flight display (MFD), a primary flight display (PFD), and an engine indication system. and crew alert (EICAS). The PFD contains flight information such as attitude, heading, speed, and altitude. Navigation, temperature, and forward speed, along with system-specific information, are found on the MFD. The EICAS screen displays engine data, landing gear and flap indications, fuel levels, and text warnings related to system failures.
One of the main advantages of glass cockpits is what pilots refer to as the “disorganization” of information. Minor indications and issues that do not pertain to the current situation are often removed from immediate view. For example, a glass cockpit system can eliminate the indicator responsible for determining the presence of a ground power source while the aircraft is in flight. This type of automation allows pilots to attend to more important tasks without unnecessary distractions.
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