Cockpit Automation: For General Aviators and Future Airline Pilots

This introduction to the new generation of airplane cockpit automation, now prevalent in general-aviation aircraft, provides common-sense instructions and illustrations for each step of an actual flight—from preflight, taxi-out, takeoff, cruising, descent, and landing. Autopilots, GPS navigation systems, and other colorful “glass cockpit” displays are examined as well as other modern technologies found in late model aircraft; particular emphasis is placed on the Garmin G430. Ideal for both self-study and classroom use, each chapter ends with a practice session that can be used in a simulator program or at a local flight school. The accompanying 30-minute DVD further reinforces the new material by demonstrating each skill as it pertains to specific flight scenarios.

Stephen M. Casner is a research scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center. He holds an airline transport pilot certificate with type ratings in the Boeing 737 and Cessna Citation and is a Gold Seal certified flight instructor. He lives in San Francisco. Douglas A. Dupuie is a first officer with Canadair Regional Jet and a Gold Seal certified flight instructor.