Summary
- HondaJet features a Garmin G3000 Avionics Package with high-resolution displays and a user-friendly interface.
- The automation in HondaJet reduces pilot tasks during flight, enhancing safety and reducing human error.
- The HondaJet cockpit design prioritizes ergonomics, situational awareness, and pilot well-being, with customization options.
Designed and manufactured by Honda Aircraft Company in the United States, HondaJets are a series of light business jets. The first version performed its maiden flight in 2003. More than 250 examples of the jet have been delivered as of February.
HondaJet is considered one of the most automated aircraft, thanks to its unique cockpit and flight systems. Simple Flying compiled a list of unique features of the HondaJet cockpit in terms of design, avionics, and safety, as highlighted by HondaJet.
1 Avionics
Features Garmin G3000 Package
| Salient features |
|---|
| Bright, high-resolution displays |
| Displays are divided into two pages |
| Intuitive touchscreen interface |
| Automatic flight guidance |
| Weather, charts, traffic, and terrain options |
HondaJet is equipped with an Advanced Garmin G3000 avionics package. The suite boasts several new features designed specifically for light turbine jets. Clear monitoring of sensors and flight conditions, even in IFR conditions, has become an ease with the avionics suite. Pilots can see multiple systems and sensors using a two-page display.
Photo: HondaJet
Audio feedback is implemented where necessary to assist pilots when they’re all eyes. The intuitive touchscreen, along with shallow menus, makes navigating through the system simpler. The G3000 software provides flight plan optimization while offering enhanced options to pilots. Honda has not taken attention to detail lightly – the displays are placed at a perfect angle for the pilot’s eyes, preventing unnecessary head-down movements.
2 Automation and flight assistance
Automation reduces pilots’ tasks during flight
| Task | Function |
|---|---|
| Engine startup sequence | Push of a button |
| Taxi lights | Releasing the brakes |
| Landing and strobe lights | Advancing thrust levers |
| Recognition lights | Automated based on flight level |
As one of the most automated jets on the market, the aircraft reduces pilots’ tasks during flight. The aircraft does everything from the engine startup sequence to switching necessary lights on and off. The system also checks for anomalies during processes and runs corrective actions when necessary. Automation also increases the safety of flights by reducing the chances of human errors.
Photo: HondaJet
According to Honda Aircraft Company,
“Optimized for safety and ease of operation with three 14-inch high-resolution displays and two touch screen controllers, the HondaJet avionics gives pilots all the information they need, and assists them in aircraft operation. Thanks to its ease of operation, the HondaJet is certified for single pilot flight.”
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3 Precise movements on the ground
Features steer-by-wire technology
| Landing gear configuration and systems | |
|---|---|
| Type | Tricycle landing gear design |
| Maneuvering system | Nosewheel Steering System (NSS) |
The aircraft can precisely make a 180-degree turn on the ground thanks to its advanced steer-by-wire technology. Implemented on the nose wheel, the Nosewheel Steering System (NWSS) allows pilots to maintain centerline during their ground maneuvers. With a touch of a button, the nosewheel’s target angle is calculated as it spins through the pavement.
Rather than requiring additional inputs from pilots, the systems use airspeed, wheel speed, and tilt parameters for precise movements along taxiways. The steering angle is automatically adjusted based on the speed and condition of the tarmac. Rather than relying on pneumatic and hydraulic channels, electrical signals provide extreme precision, reliability, and fault tolerance ability on the ground.
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Most prominently, the aircraft has an unconventional wing and engine design.
4 Ease of access
It boasts an ergonomic cockpit design
| Salient features |
|---|
| Angle of cockpit displays |
| Height of the flight deck to the pilot’s eye |
| Ease of access to hand controls |
| Sharp displays with SVT to enhance safety |
| Audio feedback |
Whether it is an automobile or a jet, when it comes to Honda, there is no stone unturned in terms of ergonomics. The space, dimensions, and placement of systems and displays are all designed with great attention to detail. From the angle of the cockpit displays to ease of access to hand controls, the HondaJet cockpit boasts situational awareness through the design.
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The small size of the jet (and the cockpit) is overly compensated by ergonomics for pilots. The overall design of the flight deck enhances flight safety while keeping pilots’ well-being in view. According to the manufacturer,
“The HondaJet cockpit is built for optimum safety based on thoughtful ergonomic design and state-of-the-art situational awareness.”
5 More space for pilots
HondaJet offers various optional configurations
| Features | Customization |
|---|---|
| Three inches of additional legroom for pilots | Optional |
| Extended seat track | Optional |
| Sheepskin covers for pilot seats | Standard (unless altered) |
Even as one of the smallest and lightest business jets, the Honda Aircraft Company goes above and beyond to provide ample space for the commanders in the cockpit. HondaJet can make it possible, whether with extra legroom or customized seat covers. Customers can get an optional cockpit configuration with an additional three inches of legroom for pilot seats.
Photo: HondaJet
That means an extended seat track that can be adjustable, allowing more flexibility and ease of access to pilots. Along with many other features, HondaJet also provides breathable sheepskin covers for pilot seats. In the Elite II version, the manufacturer aims to introduce new flight deck features, including auto-throttle and emergency autoland.
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The Elite II was built with more fuel capacity to enable longer journeys.
What are your thoughts on the salient features of the HondaJet cockpit? Share your views in the comments section.
