Boeing has finally let
the world see what the "business end" of the new 787 will look
like.
The flight deck features new technologies while retaining
significant operational similarity with the popular Boeing 777 and
other Boeing jets. The combination provides airlines with dual
benefits -- operational improvements and cost-saving
commonality.
"We worked with airlines and their pilots from around the world
to be sure that the changes we introduce with the 787 are
improvements that help increase situational awareness and better
manage pilot work load," said Mike Bair, vice president and general
manager of the 787 program.
The new flight deck features much larger display screens than
previously seen in airplanes. The five 12-by-9.1-inch screens offer
546 square inches of display space -- twice that of the Boeing 777
-- allowing pilots access to more information.
Other key features of
the new 787 flight deck are the dual head-up displays (HUDs) and
dual electronic flight bag. Boeing has offered HUDs and electronic
flight bags on other models but with the 787 they are standard
features. HUDs display information on clear screens mounted at eye
level so the pilots can see flight data while looking out the
windows. Electronic flight bags are the digital equivalent of the
pilot's flight bag and include maps, charts, manuals and other
data.
"One of the ways we are making the 787 a more valuable asset for
the airlines and the financiers is by making more features
standard," explained Bair. "In this way, 787s can be more easily
moved as needed between fleets."
Another way that the 787 helps operators is by retaining a
significant amount of commonality with the 777. Pilots who fly the
777 will need only five days of training to be ready to fly the
787. Airlines that use "mixed fleet flying," scheduling pilots to
fly more than one kind of airplane, will find that the 777 and 787
are effectively configured for such operations.
Bair said: "Our job in configuring the flight deck and
determining how the airplane will operate is to help the pilot have
better access to information so that he or she can make the best
decisions possible."
The 787 offers new information formats including an airport
moving map for safer ground taxi operations and a vertical
situation display to give a graphic rendering of approaching
terrain profiles.
"This flight deck was designed to provide the best work
environment possible for pilots," said Mike Carriker, chief pilot
for the 787 program. "Anyone who has flown a Boeing commercial
jetliner will feel right at home in the 787, and also will notice
definite improvements."
Like the passenger cabin, the flight deck will feature unique
styling that helps to create a pleasing atmosphere. And pilots will
also enjoy the reduced maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet.
"As much as passengers are looking forward to the improved
flying experience we are designing into the cabin of the airplane
with its bigger windows and pleasing architecture, pilots are also
going to want to fly in the 787 because of its flight deck," said
Carriker.