Double Or Nothing?

There can no longer be any debate: The advent of the attitude heading air-data reference system (ADHRS) and its incorporation into electronic flight information displays (EFIS has revolutionized the way pilots fly in instrument conditions. The ADHRS/EFIS combination have eliminated the brain-sopping task of repeatedly scanning in rapid succession six key analog instruments, some round power dials and annunciator lights while gleaning critical flight information. The pilot had to first process the information it received from the attitude indicator, altimeter, airspeed indicator, directional gyro/horizontal situation indicator, turn coordinator and vertical speed indicator through her vision, compare it with navigational information and develop, on her own, a three-dimensional picture of where the airplane was in space-time. By the time all that has been accomplished, the situation has changed, since the pilot and the craft are moving at a pretty good clip.

Key Takeaways:

• Attitude Heading Air-Data Reference Systems (ADHRS) combined with Electronic Flight Information Displays (EFIS) have revolutionized instrument flight by simplifying information processing and enhancing situational awareness.
• Despite the benefits, most light aircraft equipped with EFIS systems typically feature only a single ADHRS unit, creating a critical single point of failure that can lead to a sudden loss of primary flight data.
• A failure of the sole ADHRS unit forces pilots to rely on often poorly placed, difficult-to-scan analog backup instruments, significantly increasing workload and risk during instrument flight conditions.
• The article strongly advocates for redundant or independently powered backup ADHRS systems for IFR flight, citing various options from integrated panel units to portable devices, to ensure safety and effective risk management.

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