MIT

Vertical Navigation Displays: Pilot Performance and Workload During Simulated Constant Angle of Descent GPS Approaches

Title

Vertical Navigation Displays: Pilot Performance and Workload During Simulated Constant Angle of Descent GPS Approaches
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2001
Journal
International Journal of Aviation Psychology
Number
1
Volume
11
Pagination
15-31
MVL Report Number
01.01
Abstract
This study compared the effect of alternative graphic or numeric vertical navigation(VNAV) aircraft cockpit displays on horizontal and vertical flight technical error (FTE),workload and subjective preference. Displays included: a) a moving map with altituderange arc, b) the same format, supplemented with a push-to-see profile view, including avector flight-path predictor, c) an equivalent numeric display, and d) a numeric non-VNAV display. Sixteen pilots each flew four different approaches with each format in aFrasca 242 simulator. Our VNAV displays reduced vertical FTE by as much as a factor oftwo without increasing workload. Relative advantages of the graphics formats arediscussed.