Probably worth reiterating that I am strongly pro new generation cockpits and technology...
My feelings and thoughts come from many thousands of hours operating EFIS aircraft (and non EFIS) in many different environments.
SAS makes a good point that it is desirable to have a simple safe aircraft underneath all of this great kit. Cirrus, Diamond, Airbus and now even Boeing realise this... this allows pilots to stop worrying too much about the handling and get on and enjoy the flying!
As TAA kit is retro-fitted to older, more complex aircraft this is an aspect well worth considering.
The most important point to thrust across is the notion of 'appropriateness' and that - properly operated - a bimble about in a TAA is safer and more enjoyable than in a 'round dial' machine. Better airspeed trend info or simple engine handling would make just tootling around the circuit easier and more enjoyable. However, head down button pushing or letting one get bogged down in a particular routine within the the Nav kit can have disastrous effects.
I have watched highly trained professionals programming nav kit to fly a 'visual approach' (!) - I'll leave that open for discussion but from a logical point of view alone I find that odd.
Interestingly, although many suggest that the round dial selections on 737NG EFIS is wonderful, it is solely there for type commonality (not because it is better!).
What we need are structured training courses in simulators...
Last edited by M14P; 8th April 2005 at 08:48.