Narrative:

Upon arrival at the cockpit; I realized that this aircraft had been reconfigured with the new; flat panel display. While I am technically 'qualified' to operate this equipment; that is only due to my watching a brief video and taking a brief quiz during my last recurrent training; seven months ago. I felt then and continue to feel that; absent the opportunity to touch; feel; see and make mistakes on this new display; something less than a safe environment for flight exists. I expressed my misgivings and concerns to my chief pilot as soon as I learned of the introduction of these aircraft into the domestic system and asked for details on the proper protocol to follow should I find myself in this aforementioned scenario. No such details were provided. I also suggested that the sooner I get back to recurrent the sooner my concerns would be addressed; mentioning that I was in phase for this training in june. No such training was awarded. I have yet to be afforded the opportunity to receive any hands-on exposure of any kind regarding this new instrumentation. I do not believe that computer-based viewing of a complicated and significant change in the presentation and subsequent interpretation of primary flight information alone somehow renders one competent and qualified to conduct a revenue flight. This is in spite of my comfort and competency on the non-flat paneled configured aircraft. Pilots have historically been provided ample opportunity to experiment with new technologies in a simulated environment prior to actual flight with crew and passengers. The flat panel display is a quantum leap in basic flight instrumentation and I have deep safety concerns about any pilot being asked to fly such aircraft without greater exposure to the new display before flying such equipped aircraft on the line. Such exposure would normally be conducted in a simulator; but I would consider an initial flight accompanied by a check airman equally suitable. I consider a scenario in which I would accept an aircraft with this new display a violation of the contract with my crew and passengers that requires my unwavering commitment to safety. As such; until I am afforded an opportunity to get some hands-on experience; I will continue to respectfully refrain from accepting any aircraft with a flat panel display.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier pilot reports that he is not comfortable flying his aircraft equipped with new flat panel flight displays having only received computer based training and taken a quiz.

Narrative: Upon arrival at the cockpit; I realized that this aircraft had been reconfigured with the new; flat panel display. While I am technically 'qualified' to operate this equipment; that is only due to my watching a brief video and taking a brief quiz during my last recurrent training; seven months ago. I felt then and continue to feel that; absent the opportunity to touch; feel; see and make mistakes on this new display; something less than a safe environment for flight exists. I expressed my misgivings and concerns to my Chief Pilot as soon as I learned of the introduction of these aircraft into the domestic system and asked for details on the proper protocol to follow should I find myself in this aforementioned scenario. No such details were provided. I also suggested that the sooner I get back to recurrent the sooner my concerns would be addressed; mentioning that I was in phase for this training in June. No such training was awarded. I have yet to be afforded the opportunity to receive any hands-on exposure of any kind regarding this new instrumentation. I do not believe that computer-based viewing of a complicated and significant change in the presentation and subsequent interpretation of primary flight information alone somehow renders one competent and qualified to conduct a revenue flight. This is in spite of my comfort and competency on the non-flat paneled configured aircraft. Pilots have historically been provided ample opportunity to experiment with new technologies in a simulated environment prior to actual flight with crew and passengers. The flat panel display is a quantum leap in basic flight instrumentation and I have deep safety concerns about any pilot being asked to fly such aircraft without greater exposure to the new display before flying such equipped aircraft on the line. Such exposure would normally be conducted in a simulator; but I would consider an initial flight accompanied by a check airman equally suitable. I consider a scenario in which I would accept an aircraft with this new display a violation of the contract with my crew and passengers that requires my unwavering commitment to safety. As such; until I am afforded an opportunity to get some hands-on experience; I will continue to respectfully refrain from accepting any aircraft with a flat panel display.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.