When Glass Goes Dark

Among the first things pilots learn is what to do if something goes wrong. Instrument pilots get to learn what to do when instruments or the systems powering them fail and how to get back on the ground with what’s left. Back in the days when each instrument was a separate, physical thing instead of a software construct presenting symbols or alphanumeric data, their presentation was relatively well known and predictable. These days, however, those same instruments often have been replaced with what is essentially a computer screen. What happens when it fails?

Key Takeaways:

• Despite high mean time between failures (MTBF), glass cockpit primary flight displays (PFDs) can fail due to electrical issues, aging hardware, or other malfunctions, posing serious consequences for pilots.
• Proficiency in partial-panel flight, which involves using backup instrumentation, requires significant and recent training, regardless of whether a pilot was initially trained on glass cockpits or traditional "steam gauges."
• Pilots must have practiced action plans for PFD failures, including maintaining precise control, activating backup instruments, following emergency procedures, and landing at the first suitable airport, as reversionary modes and system reboots may take time or not fully restore functionality.

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