Modern aviators comprise glass cockpits or panels, owing to advancements in technology. These display systems are equipped with LCD panels to efficiently display consolidated information.
Glass cockpits have an Integrated Flight Deck with an electronic display showing the plane’s altitude, airspeed, elevation instruments, and all necessary communication and navigation capabilities.
Controls and devices for aircraft systems, engine systems, and aerial surveillance may also be displayed on the flight deck to increase the safety of various aircraft operating. These systems offer many benefits and reduce instrument panel clutter, allowing pilots to focus only on matters of utmost importance.
The solid nature of these advanced components improves reliability. The data buses, microprocessors, and LCDs also save weight and space. While continuous technological advancements will develop more optimized systems, here are some popular electronic flight information systems to know about, according to experts at Momentum Flight Training.
Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)
EFIS was one of the first flight instruments to utilize multifunctional displays, flat screens, and computer technology. Dedicated signal generators drive independent displays in the center of the basic T.
The directional gyro and attitude indicator are replaced by CRT used to display EHSI and EADI presentations. A vertical airspeed scale is displayed on the attitude field’s left, with vertical speed and altitude displayed on the right in most EFIS systems. Pilots can choose different screen features and modes on the display when the signal generators reflect the information from the navigation and attitude equipment.
Aircraft Electronic Flight Information Systems
Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM)
Pilots must monitor flight instruments as well as the conditions outside their aviator. This includes vigilant scrutiny of the proper operation of the airframe systems and the engine. It can mean monitoring different gauges in addition to maneuvering the plane. ECAM systems are designed to assist with the duty.
When a failure occurs, or other problems are detected, the primary display alerts pilots with a visual and aural cue. It displays the recommended corrective action as well. Pilots can fly the plane without much stress by performing automatic system monitoring.
ECAMs have four basic modes: failure-related, flight phase, manual, and advisory. Usually, flight mode is used during preflight, takeoff, cruise, climb, approach, decent, and even post-landing phases.
Failure-related and advisory modes appear automatically when the situation requires. If the advisory is displayed on the primary monitor, the system schematic with numerical values will be displayed automatically on the secondary monitor.
The same also applies to failure-related modes that take precedence over other modes regardless of which one was selected at the time of the failure. Attention is drawn in order of importance with color coding on the displays.
Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS)
EICAS boasts functions similar to the ECAM systems. It’s a two-computer, two-monitor system with a display select panel. The second computer serves as a stand, and aural tones with warning and caution lights are continuously monitored. This screen is also used for maintenance diagnosis when the aviator is on the ground.
The system monitors flight systems for pilots and displays airframe, engine, and other parameters such as oil pressure, fuel flow, exhaust gas temperature, rotational speed, and so on. Environmental, deicing, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control surface systems are also monitored by EICAS.
As a commercial pilot stepping onto the next level of your career, familiarizing yourself with all advanced procedures can help you gain an edge during the hiring process conducted by regional airlines to select confident, proactive, and proficient candidates.
Using AATD simulators, seasoned instructors at Momentum Flight Training can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to flying regional CRJ aircraft. We use a cutting-edge CRJ simulator with realistic components and systems that reflect the original deck flight environment of american airlines canadair regional jet 550, 700, and 900.
Talk to our representatives to discuss your unique learning goals. You can enroll yourself in our 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day advance flight safety simulator training program designed to equip aspiring regional pilots with the knowledge and skills needed to make the transition smoother.