General Aviation (FAR 23) Cockpit Standardization Analysis

Abstract : Cockpit design features amenable to standardization in small general aviation aircraft were studied with the goal of increasing safety. A list of 101 cockpit design features was presented to 82 experienced pilots who indicated where they believed increased standardization was warranted. Features cited by half or more of the pilots were studied further and reduced to nine design areas considered to warrant near-term action. Selection of these areas was based on analysis of accident reports and practicality considerations in addition to pilot comments. Three of the design areas relate to the cockpit functions of housing and protecting the pilot (improved body restraint system, more positive action and positive latching of adjustable pilot seats, and door latching with a visible locked state). The remaining six areas relate to the other major cockpit function of providing the man-machine interface required to operate the aircraft (fuel management system, powerplant controls, flight instruments, powerplant instruments, instrument lighting, and electrical circuit breakers). Separate sections of the report summarize the data assembled to justify the recommendation for standardization actions in each of the nine areas.