Emphasis On Navigation, Interpretation Of Analog Panels

Aero-News April 1 Special Edition

The FAA has posted a proposed NPRM in the Federal Register April 1 that would require a special rating for pilots still flying with traditional instruments, also known as “Steam Gauges”.

According to the FAA, the full implementation of ADS-B and the proliferation of glass panels, even in the experimental segment, has eroded the navigation skills of pilots who have become dependent on “following the magenta line”. When pilots who have come up in airplanes with glass panels get into a cockpit that is all traditional analog instruments with a paper sectional, they have a greater tendency to get lost.

The proposed new rating would require pilots to demonstrate the ability to control an airplane solely using analog gauges, including maintaining a consistent altitude, navigating between two points, identifying landmarks, and “see and avoid” traffic separation.

“For those of us who have been flying for a long time … and admittedly that’s a big portion of the pilot population … this should be like getting a BFR, no big deal,” said FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson. “The rating would be added at their next flight review, no harm no foul.

“But for some of the younger generation of pilots, and we’re trying to get a lot of them, as you know, this is important. So many of this generation don’t know anything but full glass cockpits, and when they get into an airplane with a traditional panel, they can be intimidated. Unfortunately, that’s where so many of them will need to build their hours to make it to the airlines. It’s certainly a problem.

“Perhaps a larger issue over the next 10 years or so will be finding instructors who can administer the checkrides. So many of them now are younger pilots who have only flown using glass cockpits,” he said.

NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt said the proposal for the new rating was definitely a good thing. “Interpretation of the instruments is vital to being able to avoid loss of control accidents. The Board believes this will increase safety margins for General Aviation.”

Reaction among aviation associations was mixed. EAA chairman Jack Pelton said that many of the association's members are still flying on steam gauges, so he did not expect much clamor from the members. But NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen expressed some concerns. “The FAA needs to stop living in the past,” he said.

And AEA president and and CEO Mike Adamson was also tempered in his reaction. “Our members rely on innovation to keep their businesses moving forward. The proliferation of glass panels has been a boon to our industry. While we understand that not everyone has had a chance to upgrade their cockpits, and some really don’t want to, we’d rather see more emphasis on getting more technology into the hands of more pilots. It’s really a safer environment.”

King Schools co-founder John King said the idea represents an enormous opportunity not only for his business, but others as well. "We can dust off all those old videos that are sitting on the shelf and sell them all over again. BOOM!"

The FAA will be accepting comments on the NPRM through April 1, 2021.

FMI: www.faa.gov