Hud Use Improves Landing Performance in a Full-Motion Simulator

Abstract

The operational community has assumed that using a head-up display (HUD) rather than conventional head-down displays will increase safety margins in approach and landing operations. This paper discusses a pair of experiments that test that hypothesis. Using a Boeing 737-700 full-motion simulator and commercial airline pilots as subjects, we explored the effects of (1) HUD use, (2) ambient visibility, and (3) length of approach lighting on the size and location of the touchdown footprint. HUD use reduced the width of the touchdown footprint in all tested visibility and lighting conditions including visibility below the minimum allowed. HUD use had no effect on the length of the touchdown footprint. These are empirical data that could inform the writing of regulations regarding HUD-supported commercial aviation operations.