Bright outlook for glass cockpits

Cockpits are adopting larger screens and touch input, using modularity to ease upgrades.

Growth in the number of planes flying globally, combined with a declining number of skilled pilots, is prompting a change in cockpits designed to make flying simpler. Larger displays make it possible to show data that is relevant, while touch control is being used to reduce clutter by eliminating buttons.

Before these techniques are employed to reduce the cognitive workload, they're heavily vetted. As engineers devise techniques that guide pilots to the right actions and migrate to more intuitive controls, many are delaying the adoption of voice controls. Things are also changing behind the display panels as more modular systems are used so it's easier to update systems as new features and functions become available.