cockpit

FAA seeks to ban pilots' use of personal devices while in the air

The Federal Aviation Administration looks to be tightening the screws on what personal devices pilots are allowed to use while in the air.

A new proposal, which the agency published in the Federal Register today, aims to stop pilots from using electronic devices for any type of personal use while in the cockpit. The proposal comes after a handful of incidents gave the FAA cause for concern.

"The personal use of personal wireless communications devices and laptop computers for non-safety related activities is prohibited by the broad restrictions in the current 'Sterile Cockpit' rule during ground operations involving taxi, … Read more

Pilots could get software assist in low-visibility landings (video)

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us will soon be heading to the airport, crossing our fingers that our flight home to our family won't be delayed because of bad weather.

But new technology for airline pilots could someday soon mean fewer such delays. Honeywell is developing software that combines infrared imaging with real-time 3D ground-terrain mapping, giving pilots a more natural, "out the window" view of the runway below, even in poor visibility. SmartPlanet's Sumi Das gets a demonstration of the technology from Honeywell chief test pilot Jary Engels.

This video originally appeared on … Read more

FAA gives nod to iPads in cockpits for American Airlines

Starting this Friday, American Airlines is expected to start using iPads in all phases of flight operation, replacing hefty paper charts and manuals.

That's according to a report today from CNET sister site ZDNet, which says that American has received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval to use Apple's tablets at any time during a flight.

According to a ZDNet source:

On Friday, American Airlines is the first airline in the world to be fully FAA approved to use iPads during all phases of flight. Pilots will use iPads as electronic chart and digital flight manual readers. The … Read more

Not all game cockpits cost $300,000

After all the ridiculously over-the-top gaming simulators we've seen lately, it's nice to know that some manufacturers are making some setups that are more affordable (if $700 qualifies, anyway).

The "Hotseat Racer GTX" from Hotseat Chassis isn't a full-scale system but does include surround-sound speakers, as well as built-in steering wheel and pedals, according to I4U News. The stand is sold separately, but the cockpit is still costs a lot less than the thousands you'd spend for simulators from Costco or Ford, not to mention the $300,000 monster from FAO Schwarz.

But if … Read more

Extreme gaming from Costco

We all know that everything at Costco is big: vats of mayonnaise, crates of detergent, shampoo six-packs. So why should game gear be any different?

The warehouse giant may be one of the few chains with enough space to carry the "Home Pro Racing Simulator," a full-size driver's seat with all the bells, whistles and sirens required for complete gaming immersion.

What separates this game chair from other models is the sound. Red Ferret says its 1,000-watt digital audio system has a 10-inch subwoofer behind the Hunsaker seat, three speakers in front and a "multiple&… Read more