Optimising aircraft taxi speed: Design and evaluation of new means to present information on a head-up display

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design and evaluate new means of complying to time constraints by presenting aircraft target taxi speeds on a head-up display (HUD). Four different HUD presentations were iteratively developed from paper sketches into digital prototypes. Each HUD presentation reflected different levels of information presentation. A subsequent evaluation included 32 pilots, with varying flight experience, in usability tests. The participants subjectively assessed which information was most useful to comply with time constraints. The assessment was based on six themes including information, workload, situational awareness, stress, support and usability. The evaluation consisted of computer-simulated taxi-runs, self-assessments and statistical analysis. Information provided by a graphical vertical tape descriptive/predictive HUD presentation, including alpha-numerical information redundancy, was rated most useful. Differences between novice and expert pilots can be resolved by incorporating combinations of graphics and alpha-numeric presentations. The findings can be applied for further studies of combining navigational and time-keeping HUD support during taxi.

Influencing factors of novice pilot SA based on DEMATEL-AISM method: From pilots’ view

“…In fact, as an interactive medium, the cockpit interface provides organized information for pilots, hence, the merit of interface design guides the eye movement and information perception of pilot, influencing pilot SA in consequence [ [75] , [76] , [77] ]. Studies suggest several feasible approaches to improve the merit of interface design, such as optimizing visual coding, developing enhanced visual system, and exploiting synthetic visual system [ [78] , [79] , [80] ]. Moreover, occupational age and experience, as well as authority gradient, are also crucial for novice pilot SA.…”