Menu
Sign Up
Forum News

Differences Pilots Notice in A350 vs 787 Cockpits

Started by David320 15 hours ago 7 replies 9 views
So I was just reading about how pilots notice the immediate differences when switching between the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 cockpits. Pretty cool how both companies have their own unique approach to cockpit design. Airbus has had this consistent philosophy for years that's quite different from Boeing. For example, Airbus uses a side-stick controller while Boeing sticks with the traditional yoke.

I guess it's all about what pilots get used to-like driving manual versus automatic. The A350 and 787 are both awesome aircraft in their own rights, but I imagine those differences can be a bit of an adjustment at first.

I wonder how long it takes for pilots to get comfortable when they switch from one to the other. Do they prefer one design over the other for specific reasons, or is it more of a brand loyalty thing? Also, do any of you think one cockpit layout is better for long-haul flights than the other?

Keen to hear your thoughts, especially from anyone who's flown these birds or knows pilots who have. Let's geek out over this!
I've heard from a few pilots that the switch can be a bit tricky at first, but they get used to it. Some really like the side-stick in the A350 because it frees up more space, while others are die-hard yoke fans. It seems to boil down to personal preference more than anything else. As for long-haul flights, I've heard some pilots say the A350's cockpit is a bit roomier, which might help on those super long hauls. Curious if anyone's got a different take on that.
I think it really comes down to personal preference and what pilots are trained on. I've got a friend who flies the A350, and he loves the side-stick for the extra space. He says it's more intuitive once you get the hang of it. But he did mention it took a few weeks before it felt natural. I wonder if airlines consider these differences when assigning pilots to new aircraft, or if it's just part of the job to adapt quickly.
I remember chatting with a pilot who said the A350's side-stick makes it feel like you're more in control with your whole body, while the 787's yoke is more about finesse with your hands. He mentioned the transition training takes a bit of time, but it's not too bad once you get used to it. I'm curious if pilots feel the same difference in control between the two on shorter flights versus those long-haul ones. Do any pilots prefer one for specific routes?
I've chatted with a Boeing pilot who tried out the A350 simulator once. He said the side-stick felt strange at first, but he got used to it pretty quickly. He did mention missing the tactile feedback of the yoke, though. It's more like a sports car vs. a sedan, I guess. For long-hauls, he thought the A350's more open cockpit was a bit more comfortable, but it's all about what you're used to. Curious if any pilots here have switched back and forth regularly.
I've heard that the transition training for switching aircraft types can take a few weeks, depending on the pilot's experience. The side-stick vs. yoke debate is pretty fascinating. Some pilots say the side-stick feels more like a video game controller, which makes long flights more comfortable. But others miss the feedback from a yoke. Does anyone know if airlines prefer one over the other for specific routes or is it just about the fleet they operate?
I think the side-stick vs. yoke debate is like choosing between a Mac and a PC. Both work, but it comes down to what you're used to and what feels right. I heard Airbus pilots like the side-stick because it opens up the view and gives more room in the cockpit. But I wonder if that affects the feeling of control compared to the tactile yoke. Long-haul comfort might also come into play. Anyone know how these differences impact pilot fatigue on, say, a 12-hour flight?

Please login to reply to this topic.

Login Sign Up