SAE International Pilot Versatility From the Flight Deck Design Objectives for Commercial Transport Aircraft AS580B

This Aerospace Standard (AS) assures that new transport type aircraft will provide adequate visibility from the flight deck. Background - Prior to updating this AS, the committee re-evaluated flight deck visibility angles existing in transport aircraft produced up to 1975. In addition, studies and evaluations made by various airframe manufacturers were reviewed. As a result, this standard has been modified to provide more visibility in the critical areas that are most effective for collision avoidance. The "three second rule" for landing has been retained unmodified even though some late model aircraft do not completely meet the rule. The SAE Committee S-7, whose members represent a good cross section of operations personnel of the airline operators and manufacturers feel that it is still a desirable goal and no technical studies have been presented to show that a better standard would be more desirable.