The ASF conducted a random survey in February to assess the feelings of instrument-rated AOPA members who will be tasked with learning the operations of these new receivers. It was important that pilots understand what they might be giving up under standardization, so we asked the question in a different way. By a ratio of two to one this sample preferred standardization in core functions over absolute freedom of design. Looking at the different cultures of aviation and computers, it is easy to see why there is a disconnect. Because of the complexity of the functions, it's unusual to get it right the first time.
Standards are slow to evolve because there is so much innovation in the marketplace.
Problems in the cockpit tend to be much uglier than on the desktop, and the aftermath can last an eternity. Because of the extreme consequences of mistakes, much testing is done. Standards, generally, have evolved early because of heavy regulation, which stymies innovation. Where systems are not standardized, there tends to be difficulty. Pilots also hang themselves regularly by selecting the wrong tank or the Off position, making fuel systems another problem area.