By Vincent on Nov 17, 2009
Readers poll – Most missing thing in light aircraft ?
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, Comment or Ping
James Roland
A bathroom!
Nov 17th, 2009
Vincent
@James: very good point –
Nov 17th, 2009
Jason
Autopilot for altitude.
Nov 18th, 2009
Stan
Engine efficiency and more headroom.
Nov 18th, 2009
Mark
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!
Nov 18th, 2009
Jon Morby
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.
Nov 18th, 2009
Richard
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…
Nov 19th, 2009
David
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.
Nov 30th, 2009
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