Expert: Marc Ebelini - 4/14/2005

Question
I apologise for not giving you my background before shooting out my question.
I have a Commercial Pilots Licence with IR and ME rating.
I am very interested and wish to begin studying the operation and use of the latest aviation technologies in todays jet cockpits, like the FMS,FCC, EFIS, etc.
What, according to you, would be the best place to start, for someone like me that has just gotten his Commercial Pilots Licence.

Thanks again!

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Followup To
Question -
I am very interested in gaining more knowledge on detailed desription, function and use of the electrical, navigational systems on todays modern jets like the ERJ's, CRJ's, A320's, B737's, etc.

Please advice.

Thank You
Answer -
Sorry for the delay in responding. Your question is quite involved since we are talking about complex systems. It would take more that an email to answer your question in detail. When you say detailed this would require schematics to explain the working of just the electrical system. A licensed maechanic could spend months trying to learn the workings of just one aircraft. You can't expect me to help you to acquire this knowledge on four in one email. Besides what is your background? Would you be able to absorb this information without some background in these technical fields. I appreciate your interest in the field of aviation but this is like asking to be the president of a company right out of high school. You would need to know how to understand a balance sheet. I am apologize if my answer dis appoints you.

Answer
I am surprised that someone with your background would ask this question because this is standard information in Aircrafts flight and Service manuals unless you thought I could supply them. The problem would be gaining access to these manuals. I don't have them and to acquire them would be costly. I know because the FAA requires all licensed A&P to have access to these manuals before attempting to do any work on the aircraft and I was among other things an IA. When teaching these subjects, the material used was general in nature and not specific in nature. You must first learn the basics of electricity before you can understand the way in is used in an aircraft. For example: when the Electra's came out in the sixties they were all electrically operated compared to the other aircraft in it's time that were mechanical or hydraulically operated. This overwhelmed the electricians in the airlines because most of them had poor basic knowledge of electricity and electronics and changing light bulbs or fuses was there basic function. Your wanting to know about the workings of various aircraft is a good idea especially if you plan to flight them some day. I have witnessed many aircraft crashes that occurred because it was obvious the pilot did not read the Flight Manual. Off hand I don't know anyone that would allow you access to these documents at no cost. I used Avantext, Inc. to supply me with technical aircraft data on CD's. http://www.avantext.com.