Automatic Retractable Center Console System for an Aircraft

A system for retracting a center console of an aircraft having a cockpit with an interior area, the system comprising:

• the center console configured to be positioned within the interior area of the cockpit and supporting one or more aircraft controls;
• a mechanism configured to support the center console and configured to facilitate movement of the center console between an extended position and a retracted position;
• a control system for operating the mechanism, the control system having at least one sensor for monitoring the interior area of the cockpit;
• and
• wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine when a person is entering the cockpit;
• wherein the control system is configured to activate movement of the center console to the retracted position upon the at least one sensor determining the person is entering the cockpit.