In this guide, we will learn about some of the important technologies inside the cockpit and how aviation technology helps pilots in flight planning.
Technology and aviation are a match made in heaven! So much of modern aviation is dependent on technology and aviators regularly rely on these technologies to maintain safety and execute smooth flights.
Aviation technologies range from the technology found in instrument clusters within the cockpit of planes to mobile applications for private pilots and even the software or firmware of aircraft computers.
Technology also enables pilots to plan flights effectively and use tools and apps to make the most out of their journey. Whether it is route planning, checking for weather, or logging digital notes, these technologies help pilots to always be at their 110%.
In this guide, we will learn about some of the important technologies inside the cockpit and how aviation technology helps pilots in flight planning.
FLIGHT TECHNOLOGY – HOW IT EVOLVED
Can you imagine that during the early years of aviation, the only technology, apart from the engine, was the on-board compass? Aviation had a very humble beginning and some of the earliest aircraft designs didn’t feature an engine, because well, the combustible engine hadn’t been invented yet!
Aviation slowly evolved and incorporated technologies that we see today. The first change, after the miracle of the combustion engine, was the addition of an instrument cluster on planes. These analogue controls covered the basics such as airspeed, altitude, heading, and in later years, radio.
It would take about a decade since the first flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 for technology to fully integrate with aviation. Did you know that the autopilot was first invented and integrated in 1912? Developed by Sperry Corporation, the system connected a gyroscopic heading indicator and attitude indicator to hydraulically operated elevators and rudder, allowing the aircraft to fly straight and level without pilot input.
In 1928, Paul Kollsman introduced the first accurate barometric altimeter that would fit inside the cockpit and change the way aircraft were operated. The introduction of the altimeter was also touted as one of the pivotal inventions that helped change the layout of the modern cockpit. Throughout the years, the cluster of aircraft evolved as new gauges were introduced which helped pilots navigate, communicate, and control aircraft with precision.
By the 1950s, we already had a modern layout of instruments in light aircraft and by the 1990s, large passenger airliners had begun introducing digital meters to further help pilots navigate the skies with extreme accuracy.
USING TECHNOLOGY: FLIGHT PLANNING TOOLS AND APPS
Just like technology has changed aviation forever, flight planning has also evolved dramatically over the years. Can you imagine that pilots once relied on paper charts and manual calculations for flight planning?
While these calculations and charts were double and triple-checked, they were ultimately prone to human error. This all changed with the invention of the computer and digital calculations.
Today, pilots have powerful apps and software that assist with route planning, weather analysis, fuel estimation, navigation, and real-time updates. Pilots have most of these tools in the palm of their hand, in the form of their mobile phones!
Let’s look at some of the most effective aviation tools available today:
METARs and TAF data
A METAR (METeorological Aerodrome Report) is an observational report that provides information about the current weather. It is incredibly useful for pilots and is used every day in the aviation industry. These reports provide an in-depth and detailed view of the weather for any day, which helps pilots not only plan flights but also fly safely.
On the other hand, TAF (Terminal Area Forecast) is another similar forecast report that provides a forecast for a longer period, for example, 8, 24 or 36 hours. It is perfect for pilots who want to plan a flight for the future. These reports similarly provide excellent accuracy and can be combined with the data provided by the METARs for even better flight planning.
Club-Provided Services
Modern aviators don’t need to spend a lot of time manually calculating anything! Every flight school provides detailed reports and tools that can help pilots plan their trips effectively.
From weather reports like METARs or TAF data to digital fuel calculations specifically designed for aircraft in the fleet, many capable aero clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, provide a range of supporting services to all club members to allow them to plan their trips.
Pilots are also encouraged to take advice from their instructors and even veteran pilots so that they can make the most effective flight plan possible. Thanks to modern technology, pilots can also rely on mobile applications that cover everything from weather tracking to logging flight hours and even flight planning.
ForeFlight (iOS)
One of the best examples of aviation-related mobile apps is ForeFlight. This application is for general aviation pilots and even corporate pilots. The application features integrated flight planning and filing so that pilots can conveniently fill their flight plans as per their requirements.
Pilots can also track the weather using real-time weather overlays gathered from METARs, TAFs, and even radar. You also get to use several aviation calculators that can help with fuel and even weight and balance.
The application features an intuitive interface and gets regularly updated using CAA-approved information.
Garmin Pilot (iOS, Android)
Garmin is a known brand name, but some might not be familiar with the brand's association with the aviation community. Garmin Pilot is an excellent tool for GA and commercial pilots using Garmin avionics.
The benefit of using this tool is that it automatically syncs with Garmin avionics and enables pilots to receive weather briefings and interactive maps. Pilot can also use the tool to maintain an electronic logbook and get immediate airport and FBO information, right in the palm of their hand.
SkyDemon
SkyDemon is perhaps one of the most popular modern aviation apps in the world! Limited to European pilots, this tool is excellent for VFR flights. It provides pilots with a dynamic and moving map with airspace alerts that can keep pilots up to date.
The benefit of using this tool is immense since it can turn your regular flex-wing light aircraft with minimum instrumentation into a powerhouse of information. Pilots can receive NOTAMs and TAF or METAR support to accurately track weather changes.
The application also allows for route planning with terrain and obstacle warnings for pilots flying over complex terrains, such as mountains. You also get an in-flight navigation system with GPS tracking!
FlightAware & Flightradar24
This tool is excellent for providing real-time flight tracking and status updates. It allows pilots to conveniently locate aircraft in the skies and enables weather and radar overlays that can help pilots navigate better.
The application also provides route and airport information for private pilots so that they can navigate easily and follow all the specific landing or take-off procedures of an airport.
Whether it is mobile applications, onboard instruments, or data and services provided by your aero club, pilots of today can use these technologies and tools to not just plan the perfect flight but also to comply with all the regulations in the aviation industry.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLIGHT TOOL FOR YOUR NEEDS
There are several tools that you can use to make your flight experience more convenient. However, with so many options, it can be common for pilots to face option fatigue. The best way to pick the right flight tool for you is to first look at the tools adopted by your fellow airmen at your club.
The most common tool is the right tool in this context! If your flight club frequently uses SkyDemon, for example, then you will get a better experience using the same instead of going with a completely new application.
Pilots must also ensure that the tools and technology they use comply with the region and type of flying. For example, flight tools should accommodate VFR and IFR flights and be highly compatible with your aircraft’s avionics. Garmin Avionics is a great example of this because the company provides both hardware and software solutions that are integrated extremely well.
This integration allows pilots to conveniently rely on technologies and put their focus where it is most needed: flying the aircraft! Furthermore, you might also want to pick a mobile application that best suits your needs. Some applications are available on the Apple iOS store while others are exclusive to the Android store. By picking universal apps, you can easily use these platforms on multiple devices and have your data synced across your phones as well.
Finally, pilots must also consider their budget. Flight apps may offer free features, but the most important features are almost always behind a paywall. This means that you will have to subscribe or buy a licence for the application to use it. For example, SkyDemon offers a £118 annual fee for the first year, but you get the benefit of paying £90 next year. These subscription costs can add very quickly, especially if you subscribe to multiple services so always pick the one that is most often used at your club and is more relevant to you.
Light Aircraft – Common Technologies and Instrumentation
Private pilots get to fly light aircraft which are miniaturised versions of larger planes. However, not all light aircraft are the same! Light aircraft come in different forms but two designs are the most common: fixed-wing and flex-wing light aircraft.
Each aircraft provides a unique flying experience, but in the context of technology, these aircraft can be wildly different. For example, fixed-wing aircraft are the default choice for private and commercial training, which is why they have a wide range of instruments in the cockpit. Commercial pilots, in particular, require a lot of in-depth training that involves Instrument Rating (IR) and Instrument Flying Rules (IFR) training.
During this training, pilots are expected to learn everything about the onboard instruments on their aircraft. This means understanding how to navigate the skies without relying on sight and handling autopilot and other autonomous functions on the plane.
Pilots who train for a Night Rating (NR) are also required to build a deep understanding of all the technologies in the aircraft. By learning to use instruments, pilots can learn to safely fly at night or during low-visibility conditions such as rain, hail, storms, fog and more.
Most light aircraft feature at least six basic instruments. Depending on the type of aircraft, you will likely see both digital and analogue instruments which is why pilots regularly use them to learn how to fly.
As mentioned above, the instrument cluster in fixed wings is the biggest reason why they are the default option for pilots who want to master Instrument Flying.
Flex-wing aircraft, on the other hand, are simpler machines that are designed to be even lighter than fixed wings. These aircraft are built to be simpler and have a flexible wing system made from lightweight material that is wrapped with a special fabric that allows the wings to subtly “flex” in the air, hence the name.
Flex-wings seat only two people, and they are known to feature an open-cockpit design. In other words, the pilot and passenger are exposed to the environment which is separated by a thin and short windshield.
As you can imagine, their simple design limits the number of instruments they can have on board. However, since they are mostly used for light training or recreational flying, most pilots don’t need to have a range of instruments on the plane.
Flex-wing aircraft can get by with just 2-3 instruments like a compass, a radio, and an altimeter. While there are some flex-wing aircraft that feature more complex instruments, it is rare to find a diverse set of instruments in these planes compared to their fixed-wing counterpart.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Adrien Tanic on Unsplash
