Flight deck system - Research Paper Example

1. Introduction Flight deck, also known as cockpit, is a part of an aircraft where a pilot controls the aircraft. Aircraft is an example of a human-machine system where in a complex system is used in order to operate properly. It is important to define the evolution of flight deck systems and explain why such development is essential. Basically, the consistency and logic of its development prevails the efficiency and safety of operations considering its complexities (Coombs 2007). Flight desk management is risky and needs proper maintenance because it serves as the life source of an aircraft. Failure to properly ensure its condition may result to tragic human and material cost. In the past, an aircraft structure is built from external to internal. The visions inside cockpit, a flight deck are, is not developed yet. Old models of a cockpit have no heater and display a low brightness instrument that is important when flying at night. The basic equipment for controlling the aircraft is through the rudder pedals and the control column. The control systems and instruments in a flight deck were simple and the organization of its components considered the mechanical convenience more than the pilot (Coombs 2007). Throughout the year, the designers of aircrafts improved the cockpits in order to assist the pilots accordingly. The history of flight decks evolution is marked by the complexity into the simplicity of using the instruments for the pilots through the use of modern technologies. 2. Instrument Instruments are usually made up of a compass, airspeed indicator and altimeter. As it developed, engineers have designed and created additional instruments such as the indicator engine (RPM), oil pressure and temperature. โชว์รูป instrument เก่าๆก่อน Figure 1 shows ?????? [Reference???] Nowadays, computer has been a part of developing the instruments from analogue to digital. The purpose of computer is to help the pilot receive more information accurately, but still analogue is used in case of computer failure. The modern aircraft uses a glass cockpit. It stands for electronic instrument display that is related with mechanical gauges to display information. 3. Cockpit Cockpit is the small room located in front of aircraft fuselage that serves as the operating area for the pilot and the co-pilot. It contains the flight instruments and controlling handles for the pilot to easily manipulate the aircraft. This is the area where the pilot and the co- pilot fly the aircraft. In some aircrafts, the windows are shielded as a protection from the sun. Usually, windows of cockpits are capable of being opened while on the ground and some have heating elements to melt the ice and avoid fog, therefore clears the view. In retrospect, cockpits only contain few and simple parts including an adjustable seat, windscreens, control columns, rudder pedals and parking brakes. This system has been used in the present until the development of a standard cockpit emerged. โชว์รูปcockpitในอดีตเทียบกับปัจจุบัน Figure 2 shows Douglas DC3 Cockpit [Reference??] The development of cockpits is pursued to ensure the successful operation of flying an aircraft in spite of a bad weather most especially during the low visibility point. Figure 3 shows Airbus A380 Cockpit (In present day) [Reference??] 4. Autopilot The beginning of autopilot system is designed for the pilot’s use and mainly to lessen the pilot’s workload. The autopilot Control an artifical (attitude indicator) and directional gyro to operate elevator and rudder but not ailerons because wind dihedral produces the necessary roll stability. โชว์รูป auto รุ่นเก่า Figure 4 shows an early autopilot system in an Avro 19 plane, circa 1947 [Reference??] In the present day, autopilot is able to take off, straight and level flight, descent, approach and landing except the taxiing. The advantage of autopilot is that it can land by keeping on the centre of the runway line. It also helps the pilot by landing in a poor visibility such as in times of fog. Autopilot is controlled by computer software. It reads from the aircraft’s position and controls flight system to guide the aircraft. โชว์รูปautoรุ่นใหม่ Figure 5 shows an autopilot in present day [Reference???] 5. Navigation Navigation in the past consists of 3 main categories 1. Pilotage is based on map (aeronautical chart). It shows the terrain and on ground assists some places for example big city, river, highway etc. 2. Dead reckoning is considered between pilotage and navigation by using drift meters bearing with compass and sometimes uses other navigation equipment. However, there are some difficulties with weather forecasting because the equipment cannot detect the accurate wind and cloud base. 3. Pilot must have navigation licences for a distance more than 100 miles. Navigation in 1930s used radio bearings to transmit and receive signal from ground to aircraft and plotting on navigation chart.(โชว์รูป) Figure 6 shows ??? [Reference??] Nowadays, this 3 main categories is still used in aviation aircraft and navigation equipment such as VOR (omni-directional radio range) station which is identified through an aural morse code group, ILS (Instrument landing system) provides the pilot the information and approaches guidance in the vertical plane. In addition is GPS (Global Positioning System), it is used to assist and improve navigation. It can show the location exactly, velocity and also calculates time for arrival, etc. The GPS can be used anywhere even during poor weather. The new categories of navigation indeed help the pilots get into the location easily. Figure 7 shows Garmin GPS 6. Summary Flight deck management system is the back bone of cockpit operations. Its development is widely important because as it innovates, it lessens the workload of the pilots and eases the way it is manipulated. Hence, easy to use machines can result to an efficient and successful flight with less harm. The evolution of flight desks from mechanical to electrical helps a lot most especially with the emergence of the computer. The use of traditional flight desks are not recommended anymore to be used because the modern ones is more safety. The flight desks nowadays are more reliable when it comes to the detection of information needed in order to secure a safety flight and help the pilots to fly the aircraft accurately. Generally, its development is very important not only for the present use but also for the future. Aircraft designers should continue developing more high- tech flight desks and instruments to help the pilots and lessen the risk of unexpected occurrences that may arise such as bad weather, low visibility and the like. Although some people still use the old models of flight desks, some parts of it are replaced to avoid failure. Thus, the most important thing about innovating is the safety of the people inside the aircraft. Works Cited Coombs, L F E. Control in the Sky. Aviation History Books. 1 August 2007. Read More