Modern aircraft cockpits no longer rely on analog instruments. Instead, most airplanes today use flight screens, also known as glass cockpit displays, to present critical flight information in a cleaner, more organized way. These screens have become the pilot’s main tool for monitoring and managing the aircraft.
What Are Flight Screens?
Flight screens are digital displays that replace traditional gauges with real-time data, giving pilots a clearer view of what’s happening with the aircraft. These screens are part of the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and include everything from attitude and airspeed to navigation and engine performance.
Types of Flight Screens
1. Primary Flight Display (PFD)
- Shows essential flight data such as airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, heading, and attitude.
- Often includes flight director guidance and autopilot status.
- Helps pilots keep the aircraft under control in all phases of flight.
2. Navigation Display (ND)
- Presents route, waypoints, weather radar, terrain, and traffic information.
- Used for situational awareness and strategic decision-making.
3. Multi-Function Display (MFD)
- Can show engine parameters, aircraft systems status, fuel information, and checklists.
- Often customizable, depending on what the pilot needs to monitor.
4.Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) or Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM)
- Used in larger aircraft to monitor engine health and system performance.
- Alerts the crew to system failures, with suggested procedures displayed on screen.
Benefits
- Improved situational awareness – Pilots can access more data in one glance, making it easier to stay ahead of the aircraft.
- Customizable displays – Screens can be set up to show the most relevant information for each phase of flight.
- Integrated alert – Warnings and cautions are clearly presented, reducing the risk of missing something critical.
- Better navigation – With moving maps, weather overlays, and traffic info, pilots can navigate more precisely and safely.
Things to Watch Out For
While flight screens are incredibly useful, they also come with some challenges:
- Too much information can lead to distraction if not managed properly.
- System failures require pilots to quickly switch to backup instruments or alternate displays.
- Automation dependency can become a problem if pilots don’t maintain manual flying and troubleshooting skills.
Flight screens have transformed the way pilots fly. By combining multiple sources of data into clear, organized displays, they help crews make faster and better decisions in the cockpit. Understanding how to use these screens properly—and knowing what to do when something goes wrong—is a key part of being a safe and competent pilot in today’s modern aircraft.