ABSTRACT
The Eurocontrol Experimental Center is France is pursuing long-term research into future air traffic management systems. One approach being explored is "complete air-ground automation of the separation assurance function;" the other is aircraft autonomy in an "open sky," using "electronic visual flight rules". Air carriers have spent years trying to minimize training costs; commonality among cockpits will certainly be of assistance. In nations that govern under the Napoleonic code, and even in some common-law jurisdictions, violation of Air Navigation Orders is potentially a criminal offense. An unattributed Associated Press report dated August 22, 1994, discusses fleet cockpit commonality and its economic implications for air carriers. When Boeing set out to update the 737, a major customer told Boeing to change whatever it wants, "but put a padlock on the cockpit door" to keep the designers out. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.
