Re: Future of Electronics In Aviation

Le Chaud Lapin wrote:

> What do you think?
> 
> 1. Do you think that current GA aircraft use not enough electronics?

Not at all.  Basic airplanes used for aerobatics, recreation, crop 
dusting and other cross-country activities don't need all the crap, and 
the extra weight involved with all it reduces performance and creates 
potential issues.  I had an electric window wire catch fire in my old 
Chevy Blazer one time.  What the hell?  I don't need electric windows 
any more than I need a fire in my door.

> 2. Do you think that current GA aircraft use too much electronics?

Not really. GA is a broad spectrum, and things like GPS and glass panels 
are huge workload relievers for cross-country operations and things like 
that.  You wouldn't want all that crap in an ultralight--although 
NWPilot has a kickass electronic kneeboard--but for larger, faster or 
more navigation-oriented aircraft it's good to have.

> 3. Do you think electronics should retain a peripheral role ? (Garmin,
> etc) but not be used in control paths (fly-by-wire)?

I'd hate to be reliant on an electrical system and have an electrical 
fire or fuses blowing.  For comparison, I couldn't roll down the window 
in my Chevy until I fixed the wiring.  That really sucked.

> 5. What will the aircraft look like in 2108?

Can't wait to find out.  Hopefully we'll still be able to afford to fly 
them.

-c