Designated Pilot Examiner’s Perception of Private Pilot Certification in General Aviation Advanced Technology Cockpits

All aircraft require some degree of instrumentation. With the explosion of computer and flat panel display technology, the “glass cockpit” has entered aviation. In the past, pilots transitioned into the new technology after years of flight experience. These pilots already understood: the regulations, principals of flight, navigation, and the performance characteristics of their aircraft. The new glass equipped cockpits are now entering the environment of primary flight training where pilots are still learning the basics. Additionally, there is no structured or generally accepted methodology for training in advanced cockpits. The FAA has not established specific new guidelines for pilot-in-command for these aircraft nor much guidance to Flight Examiners (FEs) that must perform the actual certification of new pilots. The basic research question being explored is whether Designated Flight Examiners perceive whether the current FAA certification process is adequate for a private pilot to safely operate advanced technology in GA aircraft