Cockpit of an Airbus A320
What does the cockpit of the future look like? New technology? Fewer pilots? Maybe no pilots? I don’t know if people will ever be ready for no human to have some sort of control over their airplane, but maybe they will be ok letting computers take over a bit more.
Recently, Airbus has taken another step towards airplane automation. Now, when two airplanes get too close, the Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) will sound an alarm, the pilot will check out the situation and make needed adjustments. Many times, the system can provide false alarms or pilots can over-react to the alarm. Aibus’ new system will automatically adjust a plane’s altitude to avoid a collision. This will reduce false alarms and increase safety. For those that feel pilots should have more control — no worries. They are able to shut off the automated system and fly manually if they need to.
To see some quotes from Airbus and see what Boeing thinks, check out my story on AOL Travel News.
Common “Bus” cockpit phrases…..”What’s it doing now” “Why’s it doing that?” “How the heck do we stop it!” & “WHOA!!!”
I prefer the Boeing philosophy of AC automation.