Older planes fun to fly, but so are new ones
Question: I have heard several airline pilots say that they preferred the feel of flying older analog-gauged equipment to newer “glass cockpit” aircraft. Did you have a preference during your airline career?
— submitted by reader Shawn, Phoenix
Answer:
I certainly understand the comment about preferring the feel of older airplanes. They were very enjoyable to fly. The newer fly-by-wire airplanes are different in how they feel, but I enjoyed them too. The best answer I can provide you is an analogy. I have a restored early-1960s British sports car that is a lot of fun to drive. However, my day-to-day transportation is a 2017 Acura. I like the additional safety features, reliability and automation for everyday use. My preference in airplanes is similar.
Q: I work for UPS and have noticed when I am giving the flight plan to the captain the vast differences between our older A300 cockpit and our newer 767 cockpit. Do the newer electronic gauges make it easier to fly, and which do you prefer to fly? — Kasey, Louisville
A:
I enjoyed my transition from the older flight deck to the modern “glass” flight decks. The benefit of better situational awareness and ease of understanding was a safety benefit.
If you have a chance to see the flight deck of an A350 or Boeing 787, you will see even more modern design. They are beautiful and very functional.
Q: What is your favorite airplane to fly and why? Do you favor Boeing traditional yoke and wheel or Airbus side-stick configuration?
— Andrew Levenson
A:
I have several favorites, due to the vast differences in types of airplanes. The Grumman Gulfstream I was my favorite propeller airplane.
Of the jets I flew it would be hard to pick one, so call it a tie between the B737 and the A320. For corporate jets, the newer Gulfstreams. My favorites all are extremely well designed, enjoyable to fly, very capable and comfortable.
The side stick was very easy to adjust to and intuitive. I have much more experience flying airplanes with conventional yokes, but I don’t really favor one over the other.