Avionics & Displays

Inaccurate flight data can compromise the safety of any flight, which is why the air data computer is a critical component in modern avionics. This computer translates raw atmospheric readings into the precise airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed data that pilots and automated systems depend on. Here’s how its key components work together to ensure operational safety.

Despite the prevalence of glass cockpits and GPS, the simple magnetic compass might seem outdated. Yet, it remains a legally required and indispensable tool in aviation. Its reliability during a total electrical failure makes understanding its principles and errors a fundamental piloting skill.

Misinterpreting an altimeter can lead to serious consequences, from navigational mistakes on a mountain trail to critical safety risks in the air. Understanding the three-pointer system and the importance of proper calibration is essential for accurate readings.

A magnetic compass is essential, but during turns or acceleration, it can swing erratically, making it unreliable. That’s exactly why the heading indicator in aviation is a critical flight instrument, offering a stable and clear display of the aircraft’s direction. However, this instrument has its own quirks, including errors that pilots must constantly manage. Learn how this crucial tool functions and why it needs regular attention.

In high-speed aerial combat, looking down at an instrument panel for even a fraction of a second can be a critical mistake. The fighter jet HUD solves this problem by projecting vital data like speed, altitude, and targeting information directly into the pilot’s line of sight. Here’s how this technology works.

In a modern cockpit, the CDU serves as the primary interface between the pilot and the aircraft’s complex Flight Management System. It acts as the central point for inputting flight plans, calculating performance data, and ensuring the route is safe and efficient. This guide explores its essential functions and operations.

Glancing down at your dashboard for even a second means you’re driving blind. A heads-up display (HUD) solves this by projecting key information like speed and navigation directly into your line of sight, keeping your focus on the road.

This technology, once reserved for fighter jets, is now a key feature for improving driver safety. Read on to discover how it works and what to look for.

An incorrect altimeter reading can be the difference between a safe flight and a critical incident. Factors like air temperature and local barometric pressure constantly affect what the instrument shows, making interpretation a core pilot skill. Understanding QNH, QFE, and common errors is essential. Find out how to ensure your altitude readings are always accurate.

For precise navigation, especially in clouds or at night, pilots rely on more than just a magnetic compass. The airplane heading indicator offers superior stability, thanks to its internal gyroscope, preventing the errors common during turns or acceleration. This makes it an indispensable tool for safe flight in challenging conditions.

When a perfectly airworthy aircraft flies into terrain, it’s known as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (FIT)—one of aviation’s most persistent dangers. The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) was developed to prevent these incidents by acting as a digital co-pilot. By constantly monitoring the plane’s proximity to the ground and issuing clear alerts if a collision is imminent, this technology has become a cornerstone of modern flight safety.