Light aircraft’s equipment evolved a lot over the last decade. Advances in technology and cost’s reductions lead to a new generation of aircraft. However, some things are still missing.
The features I miss the most are efficient anti-ice / de-ice systems, on-board weather radar, and an auto-throttle. The two first one to fly IFR in almost any weather, and the later to help reduce pilot workload.
What do YOU miss the most in your light aircraft’s cockpit ?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
A bathroom!
@James: very good point –
Autopilot for altitude.
Engine efficiency and more headroom.
Equipment wise, the less the better! Granted I don’t fly IFR, but if I wanted automation up the whazoo, I’d fly flight simulator.. or maybe public transport – I can program computers in the day job
If pushed the one thing I’d see on more touring a/c is decent engine monitoring so leaning becomes a bit more scientific, and fuel/range planning more accurate/less defensive.
Really though, I’d like to see more modern interpretations of multipurpose aircraft like the decathlon that can tour well, aerobat well, and generally be all things. And some availability on flightlines!
I fly a Cirrus SR22 so already have a lot of really useful tools in the cockpit, however accurate / effective weather radar would be a big boost I agree
My girlfriend however, the only thing she wants from an aircraft, is a toilet. Not a lady john or a bag, but a proper closet with flushing toilet.
This is not anything I miss, but a pet peeve. A fuel injected car will start right up, regardless of the altitude or how hot or cold the engine is. Yet starting a fuel injected airplane engine is filled with drama and suspense and can be the most exciting element of a flight. It’s 2009 (that’s 14,063 in dog years) and we’re still fiddling with pumps and primers and mixture handles. I guess I should be happy we no longer hand prop airplanes…
A sensible pilot with impeccable judgment whose knowledge and flight skills were always at PPL flight test standard. If I knew I had that, absolutely every time I went flying, I could work around a shortage of technology.