The General Aviation joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) has determined that “smart cockpit technology” in the form of automated checklists for normal and emergency operations, predictive aircraft performance, and performance monitoring, might reduce the number of system/component failure general aviation accidents.
ADS-B
-A smart cockpit is available right now, and progress will accelerate as more manufacturers and
aircraft owners adopt Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology.
Not only do you have improved aircraft position data, but that data can be used in collision avoidance.
ADS-B In comes with a data link for environmental information. That same data link can be used for ATC communications, NOTAMS, and up-to-the-minute TFR information.
Electronic Ignition and Engine Control
-If your car has a start button, you’ve got some form of electronic engine control (EEC). From basic electronic ignition to full authority digital engine control, EECs are more reliable, more efficient, and less costly to purchase and maintain than analog systems.
Interconnected Devices
-Interconnected devices and sensors make more information available in the cockpit than ever before. Air/Ground data links can provide ATC clearances and instructions as well as weather depiction and field condition reports and NOTAMS.
Flight Information Stream
-Drawing on information from internal and external sources, a comprehensive picture of aircraft state and component health can be formed, updated, and presented to pilots in text and graphical form. Pilots are accustomed to seeing graphical navigation information in the cockpit — in installed avionics, hand-held devices, or both. Weather and airspace is already integrated with many navigational displays. NOTAMS and TFRs are available as well. In the future, ATC communications and aircraft configuration will be integrated, and smart checklists for normal and emergency operations will appear as needed. With all that information available, the aircraft will be able to predict performance in takeoff, cruise, approach, and landing operations. Imagine knowing exactly how much runway you’ll need for every takeoff and landing.
FMI: Smart Cockpit Technology
