What Pilots like (and Don't Like) About the New Cockpit Technology

Pilot's perceptions of the new cockpit technology in the B-767 are discussed. Although the data reported were taken from the introductory experience of the B-767, it is felt that similar, if not identical, results would be obtained with any other new cockpit technology aircraft, i.e., the A310. The following conclusions were drawn from the information collected thus far: A large majority of the pilots enjoy flying the B-767 more than the older airplanes. The pilots accept the new cockpit technology, and they choose to use it because they find it useful. The pilots are aware of the possible loss of flying skill with the presence of automation, and they hand fly (usually with flight director) to prevent this loss. There is no evidence of loss of skills from the data collected. The primary points of confusion or surprise were autothrottle/autopilot interactions; the autopilot during the wrong way or not capturing the course; and achieving desired results with the Flight Management System/Control Display Unit (FMS/CDU). The pilots felt training for the FMS/CDU could be improved, and they especially wanted more hands on experience.