Glass cockpit hard to read

On Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:21:27 -0000, Arno
wrote:

Hello,

I am computer scientist and usually really like fancy technology. But
I just had my first flight with a "glass" PFD (Avidyne) and must say I
am not impressed. In particular reading altitude and airpeed from
these scrolling bands requires a lot more attention than with regular
gauges, just like reading a digital clock takes longer than reading an
analog one. Glancing at it and checking against a known picture, like
"speed at 3 o'clock is fine on final" or "altitude at 20 minutes past
midnight is minimum", just does not work anymore, instead I end up
reading the actual numbers every time I look. Does anyone feel the
same? Am I missing a particular technique?

Arno

I had the same problem at first, but as others have said it's just a
matter of practice. It's similar to the transition I made to using the
HUD on my car. With the standard speedometer it's not so much about
reading the number as it is in recognizing the geometry / location of
the needle. With the HUD it takes another few milleseconds to read and
process a displayed number.



Kirk
PPL-ASEL

"Kirk Ellis" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:21:27 -0000, Arno
wrote:

Hello,

I am computer scientist and usually really like fancy technology. But
I just had my first flight with a "glass" PFD (Avidyne) and must say I
am not impressed. In particular reading altitude and airpeed from
these scrolling bands requires a lot more attention than with regular
gauges, just like reading a digital clock takes longer than reading an
analog one. Glancing at it and checking against a known picture, like
"speed at 3 o'clock is fine on final" or "altitude at 20 minutes past
midnight is minimum", just does not work anymore, instead I end up
reading the actual numbers every time I look. Does anyone feel the
same? Am I missing a particular technique?

Arno

I had the same problem at first, but as others have said it's just a
matter of practice. It's similar to the transition I made to using the
HUD on my car. With the standard speedometer it's not so much about
reading the number as it is in recognizing the geometry / location of
the needle. With the HUD it takes another few milleseconds to read and
process a displayed number.



Kirk
PPL-ASEL

In other words, you need to further increase your following distance in
order to read your speedometer--even though it is placed closed to your
normal line of vision.

Actually, a little more following distance might be a good idea for most
drivers, but this is an example of really poor ergonomics--without even
considering the "wait until you wear bifocals" argument.

Peter

On Sun, 7 Oct 2007 21:42:31 -0400, "Peter Dohm"
wrote:



In other words, you need to further increase your following distance in
order to read your speedometer--even though it is placed closed to your
normal line of vision.

Actually, a little more following distance might be a good idea for most
drivers, but this is an example of really poor ergonomics--without even
considering the "wait until you wear bifocals" argument.

Peter



I haven't done any ergonomic studies, but it does seem to take a tad
less time for a quick glance at the dash. Still, tailgating is never
an option.

As opposed to a HUD in an aircraft, the practicality of a HUD in a car
is completely lost on me. It displays ther fuel level, and oil
temperatures, but I have to admit I don't see the point. It may be
helpful if your zipping down the interstate at F-18 rotation speeds so
you don't have to take your eyes off the road. But, mostly it's all
about the "coolness" factor.




Kirk
PPL-ASEL