I have been wondering about this for a while. Why did the cockpit designers create a glass cockpit that emulates the old steam gauges for this aircraft? In the end, do pilots like the separate gauges more than the more complex glass displays? Would love to know.

Hi therethe old analog instrument is for backup instrument in case of failure of the glass instruments :) so if there is any failure in the glass instruments, the pilot will fly with the analog instrument..... that's why in any modern glass cockpit aircraft, there are always some analog instrument..... :)hope this helpsDany Setyadihttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg

Its for commonality between the 737 fleet. It allows pilots to be rated on both the Classics and NGs at the same time.Southwest have that style NG cockpit so their pilots can swap from say a -300 to -700 without a problem.

that's why in any modern glass cockpit>aircraft, there are always some analog instrument..... :)Not always true ;)Whilst the NG does have steam backup instruments (in most variations of the panel), you'll find that there are equipment variations on the Airbus family that have no analog gauges, and the Boeing 777 (at least the panel version found on United) has no analong backup gauges, even their backups are glass.In addition, if the pilot loses a screen in the NG, there are a lot more to choose from, and the pilot can move the different screens PFD, ND, etc, to any of the screens in the cockpit in case of a screen going bad. If the power is gone... well.. that's a whole different ballgame.

>Not always true >Whilst the NG does have steam backup instruments (in most variations >of the panel), you'll find that both the A320 (and possibly the rest >of them), and the Boeing 777 (at least the panel version found on >United) has no analong backup gauges, even their backups are glass.Hey Andy,Just wanted to point out that this is not always true either. LOL, there are caveats to everything, isn't there? In the A320, operators have the choice between electro-mechanical standby instruments, or the glass 'Integrated Standby Instrumentation System' (ISIS). My previous employer operates A320-214's with so called 'steam' gauges for the SADI, SALT, SASI, and DDRMI. I assume that this option is available on the A319/A321 as well, but I have no idea about the A318.Just FYI.Best Regards,Nick LandolfiBlue Ridge Dx

Some new 737's are starting to have the old steam backups replaced with glass. This pic shows it well: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/518242/L/As you can see, the backup gauge is now a mini copy of the integrated PFD displayDon't know about the rest of you guys, but I much prefer the integrated, single screen display rather than the traditional style gauges on a glass screen. What do you guys prefer?CheersDavid

I actually dont follow what the other folks before me are saying exactly, but here is the reason.You will see emulation of the 'steam type' or analog style gauges within the glass panel displays simply to allow pilots who are rated on that type (analog) to be able to operate airframes with the glass flightdecks. Thats it. It allows the airline to work the training schedules separate from the fleet updates in this particular catagory - thus gives them quite a bit of flexibility. Keep in mind that some pilots may spend several years in a glass pit of the 37 and never change to the 'standard' glass display styles. The entire display presentation for this can be done with a flick of a switch.

Nick,After I posted that.. I changed it 2 minutes later after seeing an airliners.net picture of an A320 with steam gauges. Guess I didn't hit the update button fast enough.. you must have already been typing =P

hey, David, thanks for the nice cockpit picture :) it explains all.... :) not all modern glass cockpit aircraft use analog instrument for the backupDany Setyadihttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg

Hi!Just to be sure..will we be able to choose between the different display types on the -800/900? I think, although the splitted screens look neat, I'd prefer the full screen ones like now on the -600/700.Greetings,Steve W.

I think we will have that option, I hope so. As I said above I much prefer the current display. CheersDavid

Yeah, I'd like to choose the config of the screens on the 800/900 too. I much prefer the style that we have at the moment and it would be nice to have it on the 900. Also, take a look at this config:http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=4683...atic=yes&size=LThey have the 'analog' config, but the upper ECIAS on one screen like we have now!Cheersric

Hi Ric, thanks for the link, but you

Just my $0.02I sure hope the Layout is switchable in the PMDG 800/900.I very much prefer the current layout to the rather dated looking "steam gauge emulation mode" in the first cockpit shots of the 8/900 and would be rather disappointed if this were the only display style.Best RegardsMax (Bern, LSZB)http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004betateam.jpg http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpg

Honestly,I have to agree... I'm not flying for SWA here, and don't need to maintain any commonality with the classic 737's. I MUCH prefer the new 777 style PFD, and ND. However, I really like the new compact engine displays rather than having the full readout on the center MFD. I hope this is selectable =P