Going back in time...

When I started flying with TWA in the late 60's (yes, I know I'm old!) the planes had C-band weather radar.  This radar required some understanding of how to operate in order to get good results.  TWA had a wonderful ground school with really well versed instructors.  In order to get the best picture on the radar it required an understanding of its limitations. Tilt and gain were very important in getting an accurate image of the weather. 

In the early 70's X-band radar was installed on our planes which had better imaging of the weather.  These were monochrome images on a separate unit located usually in the lower center pedestal area next or below to the engine instruments.  Later, color radar with computer generated images were placed in the planes.  That was a really big improvement over the old units.  When we started flying the 757, 767 the radar was displayed in the HSI (horizontal situation instrument.)  Now it was really great to be able to see the weather on the flying map.

Little by little we have gone from "steam driven" round gauges to wonderful wide screen displays with so much information.  For the almost 40 years I flew for the airlines, I had to carry a heavy flight bag with loads of maps and books with hundreds of airport approach charts... now it's all on a tablet.  I guess the heavy bag built up my muscles.  ;D

Have fun flying and have a wonderful and safe holiday season and new year!

Lou