I am wondering what everyone's view is about cockpit automation. I can see how it is a great tool in helping pilots conduct flights and helping with situational awareness; however, is cockpit automation also complicating pilot duties and responsibilities in other ways?
I've never flown anything with a glass cockpit although I'm studying systems on the CRJ and wondering how pilots feel about cockpit automation.
It all seems very nice and well designed, but it also seems like it would only add a great deal to human factors related errors in piloting.
Everyone pipe--up I'm curious. Plus I'm also writing a paper about cockpit automation for a "human factors" class I have this semester.
~Nate
> I am wondering what everyone's view is about cockpit automation.
>
> I can see how it is a great tool in helping pilots conduct flights and
> helping with situational awareness; however, is cockpit automation also
> complicating pilot duties and responsibilities in other ways?
>
> I've never flown anything with a glass cockpit although I'm studying
> systems on the CRJ and wondering how pilots feel about cockpit
> automation.
>
> It all seems very nice and well designed, but it also seems like it
> would only add a great deal to human factors related errors in piloting.
>
> Everyone pipe--up I'm curious. Plus I'm also writing a paper about
> cockpit automation for a "human factors" class I have this semester.Hi Nate:
I think you can compare transitioning to "cockpit automation" as being very similar to when folks "transitioned" to computer word processing. At first there's a huge learning curve because you have to learn to type, layout, print etc.. I'm sure most folks remember when they first started with word processing thinking that hand writing a letter, report, or what ever would be faster. However, as we all know today, once you're over that learning curve, word process is much more efficient, faster, and even in most cases, more convenient as well.
Cockpit automation is the same. Once you're over the learning curve, you'll find that it makes your job easier, and because of the added reliability of these new systems, and all of the added situational awareness you're afforded, you're safer. Of course the downside is pilots need to be trained properly to use this new equipment. Word processing has very few dangerous mistakes that can be made, but if you do something wrong in the cockpit, there are dire consequences.
The FAA realizes this transitioning period is a critical one, which is why they instituted the FITS program.
Hope this helps and good luck on your paper.
Ben
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