The paper aims to explore the pilots' identification of information elements in cockpit interface of small aircraft based on the actual flight process. AHP is used to analyze and compare the information coding in the cockpit interface of small aircraft. Firstly, referring to the cockpit interface of C172, four elements of text font, marking form, symbol shape and character color are extracted from the cockpit interface of small aircraft, and the information is comprehensively and systematically summarized and analyzed. Secondly, based on AHP, the identification evaluation system of small aircraft cockpit interface information elements is established, and the identification degree of different elements forms is analyzed and ranked. There are differences in pilots' identification of information elements in different forms. The Trebuehet MS has high recognition of the text font, the marking form of the abbreviation form and the symbol shape of the triangle, which can be applied to the optimization design of the cabin interface of small aircraft. Yellow/black and green/black are the colors with the highest recognition for the target information and background, while pure blue is not suitable for the color coding of the target information.