Free Cockpit Displays Of Traffic And Weather Information Effects Of Dimension And Data Base Integration

As the concept of Free Flight continues to be explored, it becomes increasingly evident that pilots must have displays that effectively depict traffic and weather information as more and more responsibility for separation from such hazards transfers from air traffic controllers to pilots. This research effort seeks to address two display design Issues: dimensionality (3D perspective versus 2D coplanar displays) and database integration (separation or integration through overlays of traffic and weather information within displays) . it was hypothesized that the 2D displays would result in fewer traffic and weather conflicts then the 3D displays, replicating the findings of Merwin and Wickens (1996) regarding traffic avoidance. As suggested by the Proximity Compatibility Principle (Wickens & Carswell, 1995), the data base integrated displays were expected to result in fewer conflicts than the separated displays for trials in which both weather and traffic were critical for maneuver choice. Finally, as revealed in Merwin and Wickens (1996), it was hypothesized that display type and scenario geometry would effect maneuver strategies. 17 general aviation flight instructors flew a series of trials with four display types in which dimensionality, database integration, and hazard geometries were manipulated. Analyses of the data revealed that the 2D displays result in a smaller percentage of conflicts with traffic and weather hazards. The results regarding database integration suggest that displays in which traffic and weather are overlaid result in fewer hazard conflicts for trials in which both hazard types are critical to maneuver selection. Display type and scenario geometry were also found to effect maneuver strategies, including a pronounced 2D advantage for trials in which the traffic is descending or ascending, while performance for level i>IL&H92H(-H1I1>