Did you realize that most small aircraft relied on the same technology invented during World War I and II? The 'six-pack' cluster of artificial horizon, directional gyro, turn coordinator, airspeed, vertical speed and altitude, were patterned after 'steam gauges' with analog dials and indicators.
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| Old 'steam gauge' cockpit |
A pilot
first learns to fly in the natural visual world and then learns to fly again in
the instrument world. These are two
different ways of flying. One is
intuitive, and the other is not. Only a
small percentage of the population has the ability to learn to fly by gauges. It is not an easy skill to learn
and keep.
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| New 'glass cockpit' |
The solution is digital displays and what are referred to as 'glass cockpits'. Information needed to operate the aircraft can be layered over navigational tools, ensuring a safer, more automated cockpit. This was the topic of last night's Live Chat with Paul Krasa from Langley Research Center. Mr. Krasa talked to 34 INSPIRE OLC members in recounting the engineering and design that went into the new cockpit displays now being seen on private aircraft.
Mr. Krasa also talked about the importance of engineers, and how they truly touch the future. Before any new technology is available on the market place, engineers are using it. X-Box, iPod, Blu-Ray and many other devices were first used by engineers. Others may have dreamed the ideas and created the design, but it was the engineers that made it a reality.
As the OLC gets ready for summer, we have a special event that most of you can participate in, the transit of Venus. A special LiveChat will provide some insight into the significance of this event, with tips on how to enjoy it safely. Sign up today on the Discussion Board to take part in this chat! See you there!
Discuss this blog here: http://tinyurl.com/bloginspire
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