This paper presents details of a formal human factors evaluation of a new Custom Approach function intended for a helicopter flight deck system. The new function provides helicopter pilots with a fully coupled and automated approach to pilot specified destinations. The Custom Approach function can be applied in the Offshore Approach environment and for overland approaches. A part-task helicopter simulator was used in the evaluation. Six pilots (three with off-shore experience) participated in the evaluation. Five scenarios were used to collect both objective and subjective data. The data established that pilots can use the Custom Approach function to perform its intended function for overland and offshore approaches using the display provisions introduced. Lateral and vertical flight mode transitions and annunciations on the PFD adequately supported crew awareness of the automation behavior. Pilot subjective ratings confirmed that pilots had adequate awareness of flight altitude, speed and course states during automated Custom Approach. The display of annunciations was clearly visible to pilots, easy to interpret and attracted an appropriate amount of attention from pilots. The Custom Approach function supported pilot operational decision-making to land/go-around in offshore and overland scenarios including failure conditions. All pilots recognized a Radar Altimeter failure condition and took the required action to ensure level flight at the Bottom of Descent (BOD) and successfully completed the approach. Bedford ratings confirm workload for use of the Custom Approach function was within acceptable bounds. Recommendations were made to revise the FMS Custom Approach page layout to ensure consistency with the task flow and minimize errors.
Human-Centered Design of a Rotorcraft Flight Deck System for Offshore Standard Approach Procedures
2019-09-01
981274 byte
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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