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Published on: May 10, 2012
Display dimensionality and conflict geometry effects on maneuver preferences for resolving in-flight conflicts
Lisa C Thomas1, Christopher D Wickens
1Boeing Phantom Works, Seattle, Washington, USA. lcthoma1@yahoo.com
Human Factors
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Pilot preferences for resolving air traffic conflicts depend on display type and time pressure. Three-dimensional displays increased lateral maneuvers under workload but vertical maneuvers under time pressure.
Area of Science:
- Aviation human factors
- Air traffic management
- Pilot behavior
Background:
- Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) enables pilots to choose conflict resolution maneuvers.
- Previous research shows inconsistent findings on maneuver preferences, possibly due to display ambiguities and limited conflict geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how display dimensionality, conflict geometry, and time pressure influence pilot maneuvering preferences for en route conflict resolution.
Main Methods:
- Pilots resolved simulated conflicts using CDTIs with varying display dimensionality: 2-D orthogonal views, alternating 3-D perspective views, and a pilot-controlled swiveling viewpoint.
- Experiments manipulated workload and time pressure.
Main Results:
- Pilot preferences for vertical over lateral maneuvers (low workload) and climbs over descents (level flight) mirrored previous findings.
- 3-D perspective displays, unlike 2-D, increased preference for lateral maneuvers with higher workload.
- Increased time pressure led to more vertical maneuvers, an effect specific to 3-D displays.
Conclusions:
- Resolution preferences are more sensitive to workload and time pressure with 3-D perspective displays compared to 2-D displays.
- Overall preferences were less pronounced than in prior studies.
- The strategic flight planning paradigm may enhance pilot acceptance of automated resolution maneuvers.
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