(click on photo to enlarge)
This photo was taken from the cockpit jump seat and it shows the view through the Heads Up Display (HUD) that Southwest Pilots use to find the airport in weather. It repeats all the necessary flight instrument data that the main instruments on the dash depict, all in one easy to find location. The nifty thing about the HUD is it allows SWA Captains to remain focused out in the distance looking for the runway at Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on the approach. That is the final time the Pilot can continue the approach. If the runway is not in sight by then, the pilot must execute the "go around" procedure.
The airspeed information is to the left (not in view in this photo), altitude to the right, radar altitude below and to the right of the "DH 150" notation (this denotes that the "decision height" is 150 feet--the point at which the decision to land or go around must be made) and most importantly, the Flight Path Vector symbol on or near the runway. That is a pretty accurate instantaneous estimate by the HUD computer where the aircraft is flying to, in this case, just to the right of the runway aside the touchdown point. The Flight Path Vector Symbol also shows the airspeed relative to the speed selected by the Pilots for the approach, as well as whether the aircraft is accelerating (gaining energy) or slowing down (losing energy) relative to that selected speed. This is great information to have because it is often your first indication of an upcoming loss of airspeed, as in a windshear event.
The HUD. Another great tool we use to get our passengers where they need to be, safely and securely. (My partner was flying this approach and I was monitoring through the HUD for this picture.) Note the nifty runway identification lights illuminating where the runway starts.
Captain Ray Stark
Comments
How does the HUD help you when you have a gusty crosswind approach?
You guys sure them look easy (at least the ones I saw today in Sacramento).
The HUD is pretty bright when new but as they age they wash out a bit when viewed into a sunset or sunrise. When they start to get weak, we write them up and have MX replace the projector (a 10,000 volt box right over my head!). I love the thing and use it all the time.
Ray
Congrats, "TX", but I still say it looks like the far end of the Dallas North Tollway!
Kim :)
Is the "HUD" useable when you are on a westbound approach into Sky Harbor at 6:30 PM or does the sun's glare prevent it for being usable?
OK... You win again!
Ray
18366 is not a pilot employee number...I'm an architect...that's my registration #. :)
MCI 01L (Kansas City!!!)
TX18366 gets the prize!!!
Wait? Is that a pilot employee number?
"ERRRRRR... disqualified!!!"
Ray
Josh,
Regarding the "sterile cockpit rule", I have no doubt that a pilot of the caliber and professionalism of Captain Ray Stark would most certainly have thoroughly cleaned his camera and any other outside equipment that he might bring into the cockpit. Southwest is very picky about cleanliness and keeping germs OUT of the cockpit. It is also mandatory that they clean off the HUD after they use it as a warming tray for their cheese danishes...
Kim :-)
So cool to post this type of information. I think it's great to share the technical as well as the Customer-service oriented information. It builds confidence that the company knows what it's doing and Customers can feel safe and secure that their Pilots know their stuff!
I bet you won't see anything like this on other airliner sites.
Ya know, the longer I look at that picture, the more worried I get. The scenery looks a lot like the area north of Frisco, Texas, and I have this scary thought that Captain Ray was lined up on final approach to the far north end of the Dallas North Tollway...
Kim :-)