The design of the CT-4A Airtrainer cockpit is known to breach numerous ergonomics principles and several ASCC Air Standards. As a result, pilots report problems such as inadequate reach envelopes and obstruction of the control column by the left pilot's left knee. Consequently, the RAAF asked ARL to study the cockpit design and recommend simple changes. An anthropometric model was developed and used to evaluate several patterns of seat adjustment. The best of these (a ramp at 40 degrees to the fuselage reference line) was evaluated in practical trials with an experimental seat in a CT-4A fuselage. For each of the thirty pilot subjects, a sitting position with acceptable view, reach and clearance was found with the experimental arrangement. The ARL recommendations for cockpit modifications include: a smaller left side throttle quadrant with external pushrods, a seat adjustable along a 40 degree ramp, improved instrument lighting, pedals moved forwards, control column modifications, lowered lap belt anchor points, dual fuel gauges and a centre transponder location. Incorporation of these recommendations is expected to enhance training effectiveness and improve flying safety. Keywords: Human factors engineering and Pilot training.


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    Title :

    Proposed Modifications for the RAAF Airtrainer CT-4A Cockpit


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1984


    Size :

    23 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English