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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times. As a result, the first autopilot was developed to introduce an element of control on the trajectory of airplanes. What is an autopilot?

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Avionics and cockpit automation

Professional Pilot

While it may be common to find some very spartan instrumentation on an open cockpit biplane at the local fly-in, the level of complexity increases exponentially in turboprops and jet cockpits. Technically, even a cockpit lighting rheostat qualifies as avionics, but pilots typically associate the term with advanced technology.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sage Type 3

Vintage Aviation News

During the First World War, many companies that produced peacetime products shifted towards contributing to the war effort. Sage’s second design, the Type 2, a small two-seat fighter, where a pilot and rear gunner were kept in an enclosed cockpit, was built and flight tested. England and Tinson responded with the Sage Type 3.

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Navigating the Skies: The Importance of Reliable Electrical Systems in Modern Aircraft

Air Electro

This shift to electrical systems in aerospace is part of a broader trend toward reducing weight and improving efficiency. However, in an MEA, a failure in the electrical system could have more severe consequences, potentially affecting critical components such as flight controls and power generation.

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Pilot Safety Simplified: Proficiency vs. Currency Explained

Pilot Institute

And during these maneuvers, you need to: Act as the sole manipulator of the flight controls. Proficiency is about developing and maintaining the skills you need to handle a wide range of conditions in the cockpit. Youd be far less likely to lose control in unexpected situations when you stay proficient. Who does this apply to?

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More than 11 Blériots!

Vintage Aviation News

James Kightly] The cockpit of the last Blriot built, constructed by the craftsmen of the Blriot factory in 1921 and gifted to Louis. James Kightly] One of Louis Blriot’s major achievements, and one he deserves credit for, was his control system. An example of the Blriot control system on display in Londons Science Museum.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Beechcraft Model 18

Vintage Aviation News

This led to the design of a twin engine, all-metal transport with fabric-covered control surfaces and a twin tail configuration. Peyton at the controls. This aircraft was powered by two Wright R-760 seven-cylinder radial engines, each producing 350 hp. Army flew its C-45s until 1976.