Step into the cockpit of an older aircraft and you’ll be greeted by the classic “six-pack”: six round analog gauges, each faithfully showing one piece of information. Altitude here, speed there, heading in another corner—it works, but it requires constant scanning and focus.
Modern cockpits look very different: large digital displays, crisp graphics, and integrated data all in one place. This is the glass cockpit—aviation’s leap from typewriters to tablets, and the future of flight as seen in the Schochman AI Glass Cockpit.
From Six-Pack to Glass Cockpit Screens
The traditional six-pack includes:
- Airspeed Indicator
- Attitude Indicator (Artificial Horizon)
- Altimeter
- Turn Coordinator
- Heading Indicator (Directional Gyro)
- Vertical Speed Indicator
This arrangement has served pilots well for decades. But it requires high mental workload, especially in poor visibility or busy airspace. Each instrument tells its story separately, and the pilot must combine them into one mental picture.
A glass cockpit replaces these mechanical dials with one or more high-resolution displays, usually organized as:
- Primary Flight Display (PFD): shows speed, altitude, attitude, heading, vertical speed, and more—all integrated in one view.
- Multi-Function Display (MFD): adds navigation maps, terrain, engine parameters, weather, and traffic.
The result? More data in less space, and presented in a way that’s faster to interpret.
The result? More data in less space, and presented in a way that’s faster to interpret.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Analog vs. Glass
| Feature | Traditional 6-Pack | Modern Glass Cockpit |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8–12 kg (instruments, gyros, vacuum pumps, wiring) | 3–5 kg (screens + avionics unit) |
| Power Source | Mix of vacuum and electrical | Fully electrical, redundant inputs |
| Data Capacity | Limited to 6 flight parameters | Virtually unlimited: flight, engine, terrain, weather, traffic |
| Situational Awareness | Requires constant scan | Integrated, single-glance clarity |
| Failure Mode | Individual gauges fail independently | Built-in redundancy, but one screen can host multiple functions |
| Pilot Workload | Higher in instrument conditions | Lower thanks to integration and alerts |
| Maintenance | Mechanical calibration, parts wear | Software updates, occasional servicing |
| Style | Classic, nostalgic | Modern, futuristic |
Why Pilots Are Switching to Glass Cockpits
The shift to glass is not only about style. It’s about safety, precision, and efficiency.
- Information density – multiple data layers presented together.
- Customization – pilots choose which data to highlight.
- Integrated navigation & autopilot – fewer separate devices, more harmony.
- Alerts & warnings – instead of a silent needle drifting, the system provides visual and audio cues.
It transforms the cockpit from a collection of instruments into a decision-support system.
👉 Related reading: How ADSB and Synthetic Vision Improve Flight Safety.
What Makes the Schochman Glass Cockpit Different
At Schochman Aviation, we believe the future of aviation isn’t just digital—it’s intelligent. Our glass cockpit system goes beyond screens and delivers a true AI co-pilot experience.
🚀 Key Features of the Schochman AI Glass Cockpit
- 🎧 ATC Listening & Transcription – real-time clearance transcription.
- 🗣️ Voice Control – change displays, call checklists, request weather.
- 🌍 Real-Time Connectivity – via Starlink or GSM, worldwide.
- 🚨 Configurable Alerts – thresholds for engine or altitude exceedances.
- 🧠 AI Assistant – adapts to pilot preferences, acting like a digital co-pilot.
👉 Discover how we approach 3D Airspace Visualization with Synthetic Vision.
The Weight Advantage of Glass Cockpits
Replacing a six-pack with a glass cockpit can save 5–8 kg. In small aircraft and helicopters, this translates into:
- More payload capacity
- Longer range with the same fuel
- Reduced airframe stress
Every kilogram counts, and glass avionics make those kilograms available for what really matters.
The Future of Flying with Glass Cockpits
Glass cockpits are becoming standard not just in airliners but in light aircraft, helicopters, and even experimental builds. The combination of greater safety, better situational awareness, and intelligent assistance makes analog gauges increasingly outdated.
Read our interview with Robert Schochmann to learn more about the vision behind our avionics.
We also offer customized airplane kits for experimental and light sport aircraft builders.
Experience a Glass Cockpit Yourself
The best way to understand the difference is to try it.
✈️ Visit our demo at LZDV (Dubova Airport, Slovakia)
📩 Or contact us at info@schochman.com to schedule a private presentation.
Flying has always been about freedom. With the Schochman AI Glass Cockpit, it’s also about intelligence, precision, and peace of mind.