PFDs provide increased situational awareness (SA) to the pilot by replacing the traditional six instruments used for instrument flight with an easy-to-scan display that provides the horizon, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, trend, trim, rate of turn among other key relevant indications. Examples of PFDs are illustrated in Figure 5-45.
Figure 5-45. Two primary flight displays (Avidyne on the left and Garmin on the right).
Synthetic Vision
Synthetic vision provides a realistic depiction of the aircraft in relation to terrain and flightpath. Systems such as those produced by Chelton Flight Systems, Universal Flight Systems, and others provide for depictions of terrain and course. Figure 5-46 is an example of the Chelton Flight System providing both 5-dimensional situational awareness and a synthetic highway in the sky, representing the desired flightpath. Synthetic vision is used as a PFD, but provides guidance in a more normal, outside reference format.
Figure 5-46. The benefits of realistic visualization imagery, as illustrated by Synthetic Vision manufactured by Chelton Flight Systems. The system provides the pilot a realistic, real-time, threedimensional depiction of the aircraft and its relation to terrain around it.
Multi-Function Display (MFD)
In addition to a PFD directly in front of the pilot, an MFD that provides the display of information in addition to primary flight information is used within the flight deck. [Figure 5-47] Information such as a moving map, approach charts, Terrain Awareness Warning System, and weather depiction can all be illustrated on the MFD. For additional redundancy both the PFD and MFD can display all critical information that the other normally presents thereby providing redundancy (using a reversionary mode) not normally found in general aviation flight decks.
Figure 5-47. Example of a multi-function display (MFD).