Among avionics manufacturers, there are two philosophies at work, the so-called “head-up, head-down” debate. This has devolved into cockpits equipped with head-up displays (HUD) and those with traditional head-down displays (flat-panel LCD pilot flight and multifunction displays) and no HUD. Head-up means the pilot can continue looking out the windshield while viewing flight guidance information on the HUD, through touchdown. Head-down means viewing information on the instrument panel, then looking through the windshield during touchdown. Both methods have proved safe, although avionics manufacturers claim benefits for their particular approach. HUD currently offers some credit on weather minimums, while head-down displays with synthetic vision haven’t yet been certified for minimums reductions, although manufacturers and an industry committee are working on that.
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