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Four ground collision avoidance displays were tested using a fixed-base T-38 simulator with a simulated head-up display. Twelve participants flew through 6 terrain encounters in each of the 4 display formats with 2 terrain profiles and 3 initial aircraft attitudes. The displays were: an X icon, depicted when projected altitude was below a given threshold; a chevron display that moved 2 triangular symbols laterally according to altitude; a mountain display that moved a single triangle symbol vertically based on altitude; and a highway display providing a preview, perspective depiction of terrain altitude, and a target altitude. When given the X-icon display, pilots were able to spend only 40% of the flight time at the desired altitude and crashed in 20% of the runs. The chevron and mountain symbols allowed 70% and 80% of the flight time to be spent at the desired altitude, respectively, and resulted in a crash in 8% of the runs. The highway depiction was the best display for the task, allowing over 90% of the time to be spent at the desired altitude with a crash rate of 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation study was performed to evaluate helmet-mounted display symbology for fighter aircraft ground collision avoidance systems. Four visual alert symbologies were tested: an iconic cue, an aircraft-fixed (AF) guidance cue, a head-fixed (HF) guidance cue, and an HF guidance cue with a pitch ladder. Participants were given audio and visual side tasks and responded to alerts in different aircraft attitudes. Shorter reaction times were observed when a HF visual alert was given in addition to the standard audio alert. No significant differences in recovery performance (measured by response time and altitude loss) were observed between display formats. However, the display format had a significant effect on participant head motion. With HF guidance cues, pilots were able to perform the recovery maneuver with their heads off axis; with AF guidance cues or no guidance cues, pilots consistently turned their heads to face forward before maneuvering the aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the electronic presentation of instrument approach plates (IAP) using the Advanced Cockpit Simulator in Massachusetts. Evaluation of electronic IAP chart formats; Assessment of a decluttering system; Advantage on the presentation of IAP information in electronic format.

Examines the terrain situational awareness (TSA) displays for air carrier operations in the U.S. Use of Aeronautical Systems Laboratory Advanced Cockpit Simulator in the study; Effectiveness of the advanced terrain display; Evaluation of TSA by issuing erroneous air traffic control vectors.