AINsight: Is VNAV a Pilot’s Friend or Foe? | Aviation International News

AINsight: Is VNAV a Pilot’s Friend or Foe?

Automation can both help and hurt flight crewmembers

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

July 26, 2024

Full-regime lateral and vertical navigation systems were first introduced in third-generation air transport aircraft during the 1980s. Designed to ease workload, increase situational awareness, and improve flight path guidance, LNAV and VNAV systems are loved by generations of pilots. However, in contrast, these same automated systems—particularly VNAV—can be deemed overly complex and confusing by pilots, often resulting in unexpected or undesirable outcomes.

Mastery of VNAV systems requires a deep understanding of its operation, programming, management, and—most of all—a high level of pilot discipline.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Contributor - Safety

About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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