Introduction to  Advanced Avionics Chapter1 Introduction This handbook is designed as a technical reference for  pilots who operate aircraft with advanced avionics systems.  Whether flying a conventional aircraft that features a global  positioning system (GPS) navigation receiver or a new  aircraft with the latest integrated “glass cockpit” advanced  avionics system, you should find this handbook helpful in  getting started. The arrival of new technology to general  aviation aircraft has generated noticeable changes in three  areas: information, automation, and options. Pilots now have an unprecedented amount of information  available at their fingertips. Electronic flight instruments use  innovative techniques to determine aircraft attitude, speed,  and altitude, presenting a wealth of information in one or  more integrated presentations. A suite of cockpit information  systems provides pilots with data about aircraft position,  planned route, engine health and performance, as well as  surrounding weather, traffic, and terrain.