Learning to Fly Glass Cockpits Requires a New Cognitive Model

Abstract

The advent of computer-based avionics in piston-powered and light jet aircraft is arguably the most significant change to occur in recent general aviation history. Lessons learned from the airlines' incorporation of glass cockpits suggest that pilots require new knowledge and skills to safely transition into these airplanes. This study used Pathfinder associative networks to evaluate the structural knowledge of flight instructors approved to provide instruction in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). The goal was to determine if the structural knowledge obtained by pilots operating TAA represent information that is incorporated into existing cognitive models or if the knowledge and skills are distinct, requiring the creation of a new model. The results show that TAAs require pilots to learn distinct new skills and that their experience with traditional avionics plays a very small role in their successful transition into TAA aircraft.