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Pilot maneuver choice and workload in free flight.
Christopher D Wickens1, John Helleberg, Xidong Xu
1University of Illinois, Institute of Aviation, Aviation Human Factors Division, Savoy, Illinois 61874, USA. cwickens@psych.uiuc.edu
Human Factors
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Pilots prefer vertical maneuvers for traffic avoidance and climb. While cockpit traffic displays divert attention, they do not compromise safety in free-flight simulations.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Human Factors
- Flight Simulation
- Pilot Behavior
Background:
- Free-flight operations aim to increase airspace efficiency.
- Cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTI) are being developed to support pilots in free-flight.
- Understanding pilot maneuver preferences and visual workload is crucial for safe integration of new technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pilots' maneuver choices and visual workload in a simulated free-flight environment.
- To compare pilot behavior with and without a CDTI.
- To analyze the trade-offs pilots make between safety, efficiency, mental effort, and habits.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments using a high-fidelity flight simulator.
- Experiment 1: Pilots maneuvered to avoid traffic using a CDTI.
- Experiment 2: Pilots followed air traffic control (ATC) instructions without a CDTI.
Main Results:
- Pilots preferred vertical (climb) over lateral avoidance maneuvers.
- Pilots avoided complex and airspeed maneuvers.
- The CDTI consumed 25% of pilots' visual attention but did not lead to missed traffic.
- CDTI use diverted attention from the outside world but did not compromise safety.
Conclusions:
- Pilot maneuver preferences influence free-flight procedures.
- CDTI integration requires careful consideration of visual attention demands.
- Findings inform the design of cockpit traffic displays and airspace procedures for enhanced safety and efficiency.