Flying a plane is not an easy task. It requires a lot of knowledge, practice and experience. Pilots take time to get their licence and their first flight. But once they do, they have one of the most responsible jobs in the world. However, being a pilot is scarier if you don't have the right electronic system to help you navigate. These systems are your guide and best friend when you're up in the clouds, so make sure you choose them carefully.
What are Avionics?
The first thing you need to understand is what are avionics exactly. In general, they’re all of the electronic systems featured on the aircraft. But not just aircraft, this category also includes spacecrafts and artificial satellites. As a term, it was first crafted and used by Philip J. Klass in 1949. These electronics were first created to improve autopilot technologies and defence systems.
They were enabling bombers in World War II to move more steadily and be more precise. As time went by and technology developed, they also improved the communication between aircraft, were able to monitor the work of the engines and improved the safety of take-off and landing. These systems were detrimental and essential for riding the plane in hard weather conditions and creating a safer working environment for the pilots and crew.
How do Avionics Work?
Almost all avionics systems are housed in the cockpit and are accessible through the control panel that pilots use during the flight. Most of them are run by a 14V or a 28V DC. But some airlines and many military aircraft have an upgrade and run on 115 AC and 400Hz. You'll find many different control panels in the cockpit, and each of them is based on a different technology.
Radars, for example, work on electromagnetic waves. They use these waves to detect other aircrafts or pinpoint possible precipitation sources. Autopilots are based on multiple computers. They all pick up data which the pilot uses to their advantage to move the aircraft safely. This includes information such as atmospheric conditions and airspeed.
One of the most reliable manufacturers on the market nowadays is Avmap. They have a variety of multi-functional, efficient Avmap systems that can make every flight safer and easier. They have light and compact displays that can be mounted anywhere around the cabin. With their advanced technology, you get super comprehensive software that has advanced planning functions and plenty of shortcuts in case of an emergency.
They also have the EngiBOX that measures the engine parameters such as oil and air temperature, oil pressure, revolutions per minute, manifold pressure, Hobbs meter, exhaust gas temperature and much more. This system will perfectly analyse the data and give you real-time information. A pilot needs to be aware of the aircraft’s work, and these systems give you all the info you need.
Types of Avionics Systems
Flight Displays
A flight display is a place where you can track the altitude, airspeed and vertical speed. These systems collect data from barometers. This data is processed by a computer and is displayed on an LCD or CRT display technology. These displays are made by different manufacturers, but their layouts are almost identical.
Communication Systems
The communication system is an essential part of the control panel. It gives the pilot the opportunity to communicate with the passengers and the rest of the crew. For external communication, communication with other aircraft and air traffic control, these systems use Very High Frequency (VHF). It operates in the air between 118.0MHz--136.975MHz.
Fuel Systems
The purpose of the Fuel Quantity Indication System is to monitor the amount of fuel that's left in the plane. There are sensors installed inside the fuel tanks, and this is where the system gathers its data. This data is processed, and the computer makes calculations on how much fuel the plane has left and if there’s a need for a refill. Another system integrated inside is the Fuel Control and Monitoring System (FCMS). This one is responsible for controlling the pumps and valves.
Navigation Systems
The main source of information about the aeroplane’s location is the pilot receives through GPS navigation systems and sometimes a WAAS. They're also connected to grounded navigation systems called LORAN and VOR. All of the data collected is processed to show the pilot the exact location of the plane while in the air and on the ground.
Flight Recorders
Every corporate and commercial flight has to have audio recordings of the cockpit. Some systems even record and capture flight data. This is important in case an accident happens. This way the investigation team has knowledge of what happened during the flight. Don't confuse these systems with the “black box”, they’re not the same. The black box is placed at the plane’s tail so it’s less likely to get damaged.
What to Consider When Buying These Systems
Type of Aircraft
Military aircraft and airliners aren’t used in the same context and way as helicopters and recreational planes are. Their avionics systems are different in several ways. One of them is that recreational planes don’t need the advanced weather displays when they’re doing short, local flights at low altitudes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re using Avmap or another system, they need to be adjusted to the type of aircraft you have. Otherwise, they won’t be used in the context they’re made for. Also, keep in mind that the systems you have on the plane should be up to date. If they’re not, they may cause safety concerns and accidents.
Possible Challenges
If you want to find out if you need a new avionics system, the best way to do it is to find and acknowledge all the problems you’re facing right now. For example, you might not have the necessary equipment to fly in bad weather, or the aircraft may still have a CRT primary flight display. This makes it difficult to automate and monitor all flight operations. You may need a new Avmap satellite navigation, make sure you check everything. Having up-to-date equipment that will overcome the challenges means greater safety, so never compromise on it.
How Often do You Fly
How much you use your aircraft will also impact the type of equipment you buy. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive gear if the plane is in the hangar all the time. Almost every aircraft has a specially designed avionic system, and this system works perfectly if you take good care of it. Sometimes, it can last for years. It's known that upgrading the system is useful and practical, but if you don’t ride the plane often, the upgrade can be a waste of money.
