The FAA has opened a draft advisory circular on flightdeck system controls for public comment, inviting feedback on updated guidance for cockpit interfaces used on aircraft certification projects. The draft covers human factors, touchscreens, soft controls, speech recognition and traditional switches and knobs, with comments due by 24 September.
The document replaces 2011 guidance and reflects newer cockpit technologies that manufacturers are increasingly building into flight decks. It is intended to guide installation and airworthiness approval, helping define how the agency reviews control layout, accessibility and safe operation during certification.
The advisory circular does not create new regulatory requirements, but it is likely to shape design choices for avionics suppliers, aircraft makers and certification applicants planning new aircraft or flightdeck upgrades. FAA draft-document listings show the review window is active, underscoring that the agency is currently soliciting input on the revised guidance.