World of Computers | Page 19

2 [TECHNOLOGY CHANGES ON AVIATION-BY STEVE MATTHEWS] The newest advancement in aviation technology is the move to paperless cockpits. With the introduction of the iPad, pilots have all the information that once was in paper form downloaded on an iPad for use right at their fingertips. What once took a complete brief case to carry can now be placed on an iPad. Approach plates, maps, checklists, company policies, weather are all setting on the pilot’s lap in the airplane. Pilots now download real time weather onto the iPads as they fly so they have a much more current idea of what is ahead. This weather can be displayed in many ways on the maps as well as on the approach plates as they prepare to land. Technology has changed how we fly in the 28 years I have been flying. More changes have occurred in the last 25 years than in all the years prior in how pilots are able to access information in the cockpit. I always tell my much younger pilots that I can only imagine what the cockpit will look like when they are my age.