An Integrated Display for Vertical and Translational Flight: Eight Factors Affecting Pilot Performance

Abstract

As part of an overall research program to optimize both forward-looking and downward-looking tactical situation displays for all-weather instrument flight in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, an integrated horizontal situation display was developed for both vertical and translational flight. This paper covers the development and initial experimentation of the downward-looking portion of the overall display and control system. The effects of eight factors on pilot performance were tested, and a multiple regression model of VTOL pilot performance as a function of those eight factors was derived for each of three dependent performance measures. Factors having important effects were position error magnification, control order, prediction time, control gain, tracking mode, and several of their interactions.

Display Principles, Control Dynamics, and Environmental Factors in Pilot Training and Transfer

“…The difficulty of the training task may involve variables of theoretical importance in understanding how to maximize transfer during instruction for performance of a complex flight task. Reductions in lateral and vertical control order simplify control of an airplane or a simulator and enhance tracking performance (Roscoe and Bergman, 1980;Roscoe and Kraus, 1973;Tatro and Roscoe, 1986;Wiedemann and Roscoe, 1985). However, as previously noted, reductions in control order during training may limit transfer to a higher-order version of a system (Crooks and Roscoe, 1973;Dooley and Newton, 1965;Holland and Henson, 1956).…”