The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public board meeting March 9 to consider a study on what effect the introduction of glass cockpits into small light general aviation airplanes is having on the safety record of those aircraft.
In 2000, almost all new single engine light airplanes were manufactured with conventional analog flight instruments. Today almost all new light planes come equipped with digital flight display avionic systems, NTSB officials say, noting the enhanced function and information capabilities of these systems represent a significant change and potential improvement in the way general aviation pilots monitor information needed to control their aircraft.
The NTSB initiated this study to determine if the transition to glass cockpits in light aircraft would improve the safety record of those planes.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. ET, in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board’s website. Technical support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To report any problems, call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.
A summary of the safety study, which will include its findings and safety recommendations, will appear on the website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The entire study will appear on the website several weeks later.
