An aircraft’s flight deck, with its collection of displays and controls, is a wonder of engineering. For a future pilot, a thorough knowledge of these systems is essential. Two terms that are often heard are “flight instruments” and “avionics.” These may appear similar to those unfamiliar with the jargon, but they have different meanings that are essential to a pilot’s education.
At Wayman College of Aeronautics, we place an emphasis on a fundamental comprehension of flight fundamentals. In this article, we hope to bring into clear, professional focus the differences among these fundamentals.
Understanding Flight Instruments
Pilots have traditionally flown based on a fundamental group of aircraft instruments that tell them the state of the aircraft and how to fly effectively. The main collection, commonly known as the “six-pack,” gives the primary flight parameters:
Airspeed Indicator (ASI): Airspeed Indicator shows the speed of the aircraft with respect to the surrounding air mass, an important parameter for all flight phases.
Altimeter: Shows the altitude of the aircraft above a designated reference point, essential for flight level assignment and terrain clearance.
Attitude Indicator (Artificial Horizon): Shows the orientation (pitch and bank) of the aircraft relative to the horizon of the Earth, essential for instrument meteorological conditions flight.
Heading Indicator (Directional Gyro): Indicates the airplane’s magnetic heading and provides a more stable directional indication than an ordinary magnetic compass.
Turn Coordinator: Indicates the turn rate and coordination (quality) of a turn, allowing for smooth and efficient maneuvering.
Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI): Indicates the aircraft’s rate of climb or descent, making it possible to accurately control the vertical flight path.
These traditional aircraft instruments, which are usually mechanical or electro-mechanical, present discrete, direct information. They are the basic interface between pilot and aircraft performance.
Understanding Avionics
The word “avionics” is a combination of “aviation” and “electronics” that defines the complete range of aviation electronics systems employed on an aircraft. For this reason, contemporary digital flight instruments are part of an aircraft’s avionics package.
But the extent of avionics is much greater than simple presentation of basic flight information. It involves an extensive set of advanced systems:
Navigation Systems: Such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR) receivers, and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), offering accurate positional knowledge and guidance.
Communication Systems: Including radios for voice and data communication with air traffic control, other aircraft, and ground facilities.
Flight Management Systems (FMS): Sophisticated computer systems with integration of navigation, flight planning, performance management, and systems monitoring.
Autopilot Systems: Can automatically pilot the aircraft’s flight path according to pilot inputs or pre-programmed parameters.
Surveillance Systems: Like Transponders and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which provide greater situational awareness and air traffic management.
Electronic Flight Displays (EFDs) / Glass Cockpits: A major development in the design of the cockpit, grouping many old-style instruments onto large Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:
- Primary Flight Display (PFD): Digitally combines and displays the critical flight parameters (airspeed, attitude, altitude, heading, vertical speed, and turn information) usually seen in the “six-pack.”
- Multi-Function Display (MFD): Offers a flexible display of navigation paths, weather data, engine metrics, checklists, and other relevant flight information.
Instruments and Avionics: A Synergistic Relationship
The avionics and aircraft instruments relationship is not adversarial, but evolutionary and complementary.
- Aircraft Instruments are the particular devices that visually present critical flight parameters.
- Avionics is the general umbrella of aviation electronics, which includes these instruments (especially their contemporary digital forms) and consolidates their functions with a variety of other onboard systems.
An older airplane may have simple analog instruments with minimal avionics. Modern aircraft, on the other hand, have large avionics packages where “instruments” are closely integrated digital displays (PFDs and MFDs), part of this broader electronic architecture. The basic information presented by traditional instruments is still essential; modern avionics improves its presentation, precision, and functionality.
Importance of Avionics and Instrument for Future Pilots
An understanding of these differences is essential for pilot training. Our curriculum at Wayman College of Aeronautics is created to promote a comprehensive understanding of conventional instrumentation as well as modern avionics systems.
Early training tends to focus on competence with traditional aircraft instruments, building a profound, instinctive knowledge of aircraft operation and handling. As training continues, students develop proficiency in the high-tech avionics found in contemporary aircraft. The systematic instruction makes graduates proficient in flying a wide variety of aircraft, from those having traditional instrument panels to ones fitted with advanced glass cockpit technology.
As aviation electronics evolve, the underlying principles of flight, acquired from exposure to basic aircraft instrumentation, are ageless. An integrated understanding of both is the defining feature of an expert and versatile professional pilot.
We encourage you to review the intensive training programs at Wayman College of Aeronautics in Miami to enhance your understanding and embark on a fulfilling career in aviation.