As an avionics guy, Im often asked if I would rather deal with total avionics failure in an all-glass or round-gauge aircraft. My preference is all-glass because total failure is pretty unlikely. And even if it did happen, the situation shouldnt be debilitating. With dual batteries, dual electrical systems, standby instruments and a portable GPS, theres little reason why you couldnt put down safely. But for an older retrofit panel, the risks are elevated. 288
Avionics Gone Wild
As an avionics guy, Im often asked if I would rather deal with total avionics failure in an all-glass or round-gauge aircraft. My preference is all-glass because total failure is pretty unlikely. And even if it did happen, the situation shouldnt be debilitating. With dual batteries, dual electrical systems, standby instruments and a portable GPS, theres little reason why you couldnt put down safely. But for an older retrofit panel, the risks are elevated. You dont have to be an avionics tech to understand what makes your panel tick, but you do need to know what can make it a ticking time bomb. Perhaps you pushed the wrong button sequence for an autopilot-coupled approach, or maybe an encounter with ice has turned your Aspen PFD into an expensive tic-tac-toe game.
Key Takeaways:
- Modern glass cockpits, despite built-in redundancies, introduce complex interfaces where pilot errors in programming, button sequences, or misinterpreting subtle display failures can lead to dangerous situations.
- Pilots must deeply understand their aircraft's avionics, including system interdependencies (e.g., autopilot and GPSS modes), specific failure annunciations, and the implications of electrical or battery failures.
- Survival hinges on early recognition of system problems, having well-practiced backup plans, understanding proper emergency procedures, and continuous learning about the unique operational quirks of their installed avionics.
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