Airbus and Boeing are two of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world. While their planes may appear similar at first glance, their distinct designs and functions are the result of extensive research and commercial considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore key aspects of both aircraft companies, highlighting their unique approaches and innovations.

Aircraft Cockpit

The aircraft cockpit is the front portion of an aircraft where the pilot and co-pilot (if applicable) sit to operate the aircraft. It is the aircraft’s control centre, housing all of the instruments, controls, and displays required for controlling and navigating the plane.

The cockpit is designed to give the flight crew a good view of the outside world as well as access to all of the systems and information needed to operate the aircraft safely.

1. These are the primary control devices used by the pilot to control the pitch and roll of the aircraft. They are typically a type of steering wheel or control stick.
   • Pedals: These are used to control the aircraft’s rudder and are typically located on the floor of the cockpit.
   • Instrument panel: The instrument panel is equipped with various gauges and instruments that provide information about the aircraft’s altitude, airspeed, heading, engine performance, and other critical data.
   • Avionics and navigation systems: These include radios, GPS, and navigation displays that help the pilot communicate with air traffic control and navigate the aircraft.
   • Display screens: Modern aircraft often have electronic display screens that provide information about the aircraft’s systems, navigation, and other critical data.
   • Throttle levers: These levers control the engines’ power and are used to adjust the aircraft’s speed and climb or descend.
   • Overhead panel: This panel contains controls for various aircraft systems, such as lighting, cabin pressurization, and fuel management.
   • Seats: Cockpit seats are specially designed to provide comfort and support during long flights.

The cockpit layout and design can vary greatly depending on the kind of aircraft, ranging from small general aviation planes to massive commercial airliners and military jets.

Cockpits are constructed with safety, ergonomics, and convenience of use in mind, ensuring that the flight crew can successfully control the aircraft and respond to numerous scenarios that may arise during flight.

While the cockpits of Airbus and Boeing airplanes serve the same basic function, there are notable differences in terms of layout, design philosophy, and features. Here are some important distinctions between Airbus and Boeing cockpits:

1. Side Stick vs. Control Yoke:

Airbus: Side stick control is a common feature of Airbus aircraft, which allows the pilot to enter control commands using a joystick that is mounted to the side of the cockpit.

To input commands for pitch and roll, utilize the side stick. There are two side sticks for the captain and co-pilot in the Airbus A320 aircraft.

Boeing: On the other hand, the steering-wheel-like device known as a control yoke is typically used on Boeing aircraft. Pitch and roll commands are entered via the control yoke.

One or two exceptions are the Boeing 777 and 787, which have control columns with smaller yokes that resemble the Airbus side stick.

2. Flight control Philosophy:

Airbus: Airbus aircraft use a fly-by-wire system, which means that control inputs from the aircraft are interpreted by computers, which then operate the flying surfaces.

Airbus cockpits are designed with the goal of restricting extreme maneuvers and providing envelope protection, which aids in preventing the aircraft from entering dangerous flight regimes.

Boeing: Boeing aircraft have typically been designed to give the pilot more direct control. Boeing planes use a typical mechanical and hydraulic control system, with pilot inputs connected directly to flight control surfaces.

3. Cockpit Layout:

Airbus: Airbus cockpits are recognized for their similarity across aircraft models. Because of the similar layout, display, and controls, pilots may easily switch between Airbus planes.

Boeing: Boeing cockpits can vary considerably between aircraft types, and switching between Boeing models may necessitate additional training due to variances in layout and equipment.

4. Primary Flight Displays:

Airbus: Airbus employs Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays, which provide a more comprehensive display of flight information, including as navigation, engine statistics, and system status. These displays are frequently side-by-side.

Boeing: To convey flight information, Boeing uses Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Navigation Displays (ND).

These displays are often set up in a more traditional manner, with the PFD in front of the pilot and the ND to the side.

Automation:

Both Airbus and Boeing aircraft have highly automated systems, but the level of automation and how it is integrated into the cockpit can differ between models and manufacturers.

It’s important to note that cockpit design and features may evolve over time, and newer aircraft from both manufacturers may incorporate elements from each other.

Additionally, pilot training and transition procedures are essential to ensure that pilots can safely operate different aircraft models, regardless of the manufacturer.