Round Dials or Glass Cockpits: Which is the Superior Choice?

Deciding between a traditional round-dial cockpit and a modern glass cockpit can be a big deal for some pilots. 

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. These can affect how you learn and what kind of job you end up with.

Round-dials teach you hands-on skills, while glass cockpits use fancy technology to help you see what’s going on around you.

In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know. Learning these differences will help you pick the right kind of cockpit for you.

Let’s begin!

Understanding the Basics: Round Dials vs. Glass Cockpits

In modern aviation, we are spoilt for choice when selecting an aircraft to fly. 

We can choose from multiple manufacturers with hundreds of types of aircraft. All of them contain either round dials or glass cockpits.

But what are these different types of cockpits?

Round Dial Cockpits

Round-dial cockpits, also known as analog, are traditional instruments. They have existed since aviation began.

They are independent mechanical instruments that provide individual readings.

In a round-dial cockpit, the six-pack of gauges are the core of the flight instruments.

The six-pack consists of:

• Airspeed Indicator (ASI)
• Attitude Indicator (AI)
• Altimeter
• Turn Coordinator (TC)
• Heading Indicator (HI)
• Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

Along with the six-pack, we also have an RPM gauge, which shows the engine’s working speed.

Pilots maintain situational awareness of the aircraft by continuously scanning the instruments.

Glass Cockpits

Glass cockpits contain integrated screens that display data digitally. They can also be known as digital cockpits.

These cockpits combine all traditional instruments on multi-function displays (MFDs).

The main instruments in our six-pack are consolidated onto one screen. This is called the Primary Flight Display (PFD).

Some of the instruments on the PFD will look similar to those in a round-dial cockpit. However, many will look different. For example, the airspeed indicator on a PFD is transferred into a digital speed tape.

The MFD displays a moving map for situational awareness. It shows the navigation track, weather, and traffic. This is dependent on aircraft equipment.

Differences

So we now know what each cockpit type is, but what are the differences?

Data Display

With both of these cockpits, the flight data is displayed differently. 

In round-dial cockpits, the information is more spread out on individual instruments. While in glass cockpits, all the information is on high-resolution screens directly in front of you.

Flight instruments get their information through the aircraft’s pitot-static system. 

In round-dial cockpits, this is directly connected to the instruments. In glass cockpits, the data from the pitot-static system is processed through an air data computer. It can then be electronically displayed on the screens.

Glass cockpits can display extra information, including weather, traffic, and moving maps. However, due to the basic nature of the round-dial cockpit, this can’t be displayed.

Scanning Techniques

Since the data is displayed differently, there will be different ways to read the data.

We can use the T-scan or circular scan to determine trends in round-dial cockpits. 

These scanning techniques differ from those we would use in the glass cockpit. This is due to the positioning of the instruments.

In a glass cockpit, all the primary flight information is shown on the PFD. Meaning your eyes have to travel a shorter distance to read the information.

Alerts

Aural and visual alerts signal pilots that something important requires their attention. We usually receive them before important phases of flight. For example, approaching a selected altitude. 

The aural alert will provide a chime, while the visual alert will cause the altitude to flash.

Glass cockpits have this added functionality, providing these alerts. This increases the pilot’s situational awareness.

Round-dial cockpits don’t have this functionality.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Round Dials

For many, round-dial cockpits are superior aircraft. But like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to them. Let’s go over them.

Advantages

Easier Learning Curve

Round-dials have an easier learning curve for student pilots. The independent instruments showing basic information make them easier to read and understand. 

Starting on round dials develops a healthy scanning habit. Having a good scan is fundamental for flying.

Affordable

For aircraft owners, round dials are cheaper than a glass cockpit setup for many reasons.

Each round dial is a standalone instrument that doesn’t require extensive integration. The instruments are powered by traditional systems, making them easier to replace.

Round dials also don’t require an air data computer, which can be pricey technology. 

Analog systems are cheaper to maintain due to their simplicity. If an instrument fails, engineers can replace each individual instrument. They also don’t have to spend time reintegrating it into a complex system.

The affordability of round-dial cockpits will make renting a round-dial aircraft cheaper. Allowing student pilots to get more flying hours with their money.

Trend Visibility

Knowing what the aircraft is doing is one of the basics of flying. Having a good instrument scan will increase your situational awareness.

If you have a good scan with analog instruments, it is easier to see aircraft trends. This is because round dial instruments contain needles that point to information.

For example, you glance at your ASI and notice the needle is at the six o’clock position. 

You look again and see that it’s trending fast toward the three o’clock position. You know that your airspeed has decreased by 25% in an instant.

With a glass cockpit, the speed is shown on the speed tape, giving you an actual number. 

If you begin to slow, you will notice the number has decreased. But it is harder to visualize how fast it is trending downwards.

Disadvantages

Less Situational Awareness

Although the round dial instruments are easier to read, this is only true if you have a good instrument scan.

As soon as your workload increases, keeping up a good scan is hard. 

This is because you divert your attention to other things, such as a radio call or navigation. Leading to decreased situational awareness.

Parallax Error

Parallax error is the apparent shift in the position of the instrument’s needle when viewed from a different angle.

Due to the position of the six-pack, if you fly from the right-hand seat, you may experience parallax error. This means there is a chance that you will misread the instruments.

Manual Recalibration

Air-driven gyros, like the heading indicator, require manual recalibration every 10 minutes.

This is because the gyro will drift due to the earth’s rotation.

This is something that is done automatically in glass cockpits.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Cockpits

Glass cockpits are the latest and greatest technology. With many people swearing by them. But they still have their downsides. Let’s check out the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Improved Situational Awareness

Glass cockpits present a wide range of data on a single, clear screen. This reduces the need for pilots to glance at multiple analog instruments. Improving their ability to monitor all information in one place.

During periods of high workload, you can maintain situational awareness. This is because the glass cockpit is easier to scan.

Easy to Use

Simplified controls reduce the number of physical switches in the cockpit. Many navigation and communication functions are consolidated into one interface. With control through multiple knobs and buttons. 

Some glass cockpits have a touchscreen interface. Making these systems more intuitive for younger pilots. You can access information with only a tap of the finger. Being able to access this information quickly reduces workload during high-pressure situations.

Enhanced Safety Features

Integrated alerts and warnings help pilots react promptly to dangerous situations. Some of these alerts include stall warnings and terrain proximity warnings.

The MFD can integrate GPS, weather data, and traffic information into its display. This can help pilots avoid dangerous weather and obstacles in the flight path.

Disadvantages

Complexity

Due to the nature of glass cockpits, the PFD and MFD display a lot of information. This can be overwhelming for student pilots starting out.

Pilots transitioning from analog cockpits will require extensive training to get them proficient. This extra training can be costly.

Expensive

Glass cockpits can be expensive to buy and install. This is due to sophisticated electronics, displays, and control panels.

If something goes wrong, specialized components are generally required to fix the issue. Which can add up to the overall cost of ownership.

Dependency

Over-reliance is a big problem in aviation. Glass cockpits often feature automation and flight computers to help reduce workload. 

While these features are great, they can also cause dependency. This will decrease situational awareness during a failure.

Impact on Training and Skill Development

It can take hours of training to become proficient in glass and analog instruments. 

Although you’re flying the same aircraft, the training tends to differ depending on your aircraft’s instruments.

Round dials often require more manual skills. Since you are working with more mechanical instruments, you need to know the basics of each system. Requiring a deeper understanding of core flight principles.

Glass cockpits require additional training to use and interpret the advanced displays effectively. This is more so for pilots who are less technologically minded.

When deciding which type of instrument to learn, think about the type of flying you aim to do. 

Most modern jets have glass cockpits if you plan to fly commercially at the airlines.

If you’re looking to fly recreationally on the weekends, analog could be the choice for you.

Which Is Safer? Weighing the Safety of Each Cockpit Type

So now comes the question: which is safer?

Well, this depends on a wide range of factors. These factors include pilot experience, flying conditions, and intended use. 

We have seen that glass cockpits offer many great features, including weather and terrain integration and safety warnings. 

But could these also be a distraction?

NTSB Study

An NTSB study from 2016 concluded that there is no evidence that glass cockpits actually improve safety.

The NTSB study examined 2,848 round-dial aircraft and 5,516 glass cockpit aircraft. All of which were built between 2002 and 2006. 

Multiple big-name aircraft, including Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, and Piper, were studied.

Data collected between 2006 and 2007 showed that the accident rate (per 100,000 flight hours) in glass cockpits was less than in analog cockpits, at 3.71 in glass and 3.77 in analog.

So that must mean glass is safer, right?

Not exactly.

The study showed that the glass cockpit incidents had a higher fatality rate. The fatality rate (per 100,000 flight hours) among glass cockpits was 1.03 compared to the analog cockpit at 0.43.

However, it is hard to pass judgment without knowing the pilot’s experience from each incident.

We know that familiarity with the chosen cockpit type greatly affects overall safety. 

We know that glass cockpits are more advanced and take a lot more time to become familiar with. 

So, with adequate training and experience, the glass cockpit will undoubtedly be safer. Its added safety features and protections will add to your situational awareness. But knowing how the systems work is crucial.

No matter which aircraft you choose, you must be fully competent in flying it.

Conclusion

Some people prefer round dials in airplane cockpits because they provide a strong understanding of basic flight principles.

Others like glass cockpits because they have clear displays and extra safety measures. The choice of cockpit to use depends on your budget, training preferences, and future goals as a pilot.

Choose the path that fits your vision best because both types offer valuable and fulfilling experiences in the world of flying.