Am pretty sure FedEx have HUD equipped 777's would be nice to see them as an expansion in the future. Something I wanted on the PMDG MD11F

They have fancy FLIR system's on theirs aswell (Not sure about T7, definately on the MD11). Similar to the option available on the gulfstream.

 

You can see the FLIR camera here;

 

 

End effect;

 

 

Pretty epic.

That may be true but as in many industries safety drives airlines to change. I am sure installing break-in proof cockpit doors were expensive and considered unneeded. I remember as a kid flying and watching the stewardess shut a curtain to the cockpit. I am sure airlines will not voluntarily install HGS but at some point if an airline crash could have been prevented by an HGS then it will become industry standard.

 

 

Reinforced cockpit doors were a mandate from Congress after 9/11, it didn't matter if it was "un-needed" - they had no choice (and rightfully so).  The issue with HGS is that its' ability to increase safety margins is minimized by regulation - it doesn't relax any regulations to allow them to perform something they otherwise may have been able to do with a HUD - only marginal types of operations such as zero visibility take-offs and landing roll-outs (which they can do anyway on auto-land).  HUDs have been around for decades, but from a safety statistics perspective, they really haven't proven their worth yet.  I see technology such as Synthetic Vision Systems becoming mandatory or widespread than a HUD would; or some integration of the two into a single display.

 

People love to throw the word 'safety' around on everything.  The bottom line is that there has to be significant statistical evidence to justify decisions on either side of the coin.  There is no doubt that the HUD is a great piece of technology, and I personally love using it and enjoy its' benefits, but I'm also not the one paying the bills nor have I personally seen the statistical evidence for it to prove its value.

AFAIK having HGS in the 737NG is a luxury. IRL, especially in EU I don't know of any airline using it, maybe somebody could enlighten me on that? or how many % of all NG's have them installed?

 

I can't speak for the EU, but here in the USA, Alaska Airlines has HGS in all of their 737s, even the -400s. When I've flown in the jump seat, most of the captains have used it for takeoff and stowed it at 1000', and then brought it back down at top of descent. One captain did use it in cruise to see the flight path of the aircraft as we were picking our way through thunderstorms.

I can't speak for the EU, but here in the USA, Alaska Airlines has HGS in all of their 737s, even the -400s. When I've flown in the jump seat, most of the captains have used it for takeoff and stowed it at 1000', and then brought it back down at top of descent. One captain did use it in cruise to see the flight path of the aircraft as we were picking our way through thunderstorms.

 

Yep American Airlines has them in all of their 738's as well.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8STd2xOPlOg

Reinforced cockpit doors were a mandate from Congress after 9/11, it didn't matter if it was "un-needed" - they had no choice (and rightfully so). 

 

I don't know why non US operators wanted expensive and heavy reinforced door? Is there ICAO or EASA regulation, as rest of the world is not subservient to US Congress.

I don't know why non US operators wanted expensive and heavy reinforced door? Is there ICAO or EASA regulation, as rest of the world is not subservient to US Congress.

 

I'm not sure if it is an EASA regulation or ICAO guideline, but for those operators that fly into US than they have to abide by US regulation.

I don't know why non US operators wanted expensive and heavy reinforced door? Is there ICAO or EASA regulation, as rest of the world is not subservient to US Congress.

 

Personally I would feel safer flying on an aircraft with the reinforced doors. It seems logical despite what any person feels about the mandate by US Congress. As a traveler its just and added security measure. Its not just about terrorism, youtube unruly passengers and there are tons of vids on passengers who have to be escorted off the aircraft. People can be unpredictable and it just feels safer and makes more sense to have the reinforced doors. As for the topic on hand I have been trying to get my skills back in order by dong some flights with the 747. I must say my first landing was a challenge. Replay showed I had to turn pretty hard to get on the runway and it was by no means on the center line. Hopefully with a few more trys I will improve enough. 

 

I tried digging for this answer - but couldn't find it.  Will future PMDG 777's have the HUD?  Is really helps with a 3D only cockpit when landing at 50% zoom.

In Australia we have 2 main operators running 737-800 aircraft. One has HGS, the other doesn't.

 

I usually fly the one that doesn't, (Both Real life as a passenger, and on the sim).

I tried digging for this answer - but couldn't find it.  Will future PMDG 777's have the HUD?  Is really helps with a 3D only cockpit when landing at 50% zoom.

No, because it isn't an option on the real 777.

 

Before anyone else says it, FedEx does have them, but they didn't come from Boeing like the 737's HGS does.