Flight Deck Technology strand

Within the HILAS project four different strands of work are defined. This brochure focuses on one of these strands, namely the Flight Deck Technologies (FDT) strand. The aim of this strand is to select and develop a set of Human Factors (HF) tools that can be used for validation or certification of new cockpit technologies or procedures at a HF-level. A flow chart of those HF tools and their relation to validation and certification in provided below.

What are Human Factors Tools?

HF tools in this context are: tools that researchers, manufacturers or authorities can use to study how pilots interact with their aircraft. The tools measure amongst others:

Opinions of pilots
Mental Workload
Situational Awareness
Pilot Performance
Attention

Some of the tools integrate data through the use of software from different sources for real time as well as post experiment data processing. In the project special attention was given to the added value of using these tools together, to what extend they are complementary to each other and to find new methods to quickly and efficiently study the recorded data. Having access to such a dedicated set of HF tools are relevant for other researchers and also for manufacturers of cockpit technologies and authorities. For the latter such a set of tools is especially helpful when providing standards for HF certification of new cockpit technologies.

Are the Human Factors Tools validated?

The HF tools were applied and validated in a number of consecutive experiments in high and low fidelity flight simulators. Some project partners brought new cockpit technologies as case studies in the experiment. The HF tools were used to study the interaction between pilot and these new cockpit technologies.

What can HILAS do for you?

The partners from the HILAS FDT strand offer advice and assistance for measuring HF aspects of new technologies or procedures in all aviation systems. These systems range from cockpits to Air Traffic Control environments and more. The partners can design experiments and run your experiments and they can also provide you with tools and assistance in operating them.

The selected set of HF tools can be used by authorities and industry as a structured way of measuring Human Computer Interaction aspects of new technologies and applications. Besides evaluation of new technologies and applications this approach may also be used as a HF certification instrument.

The HF tools were tested and evaluated in flight simulators, however a number of the HF tools may be applied in totally different domains as well. Examples are:

medical operating theatre,
industrial control rooms,
ship bridges,
general display design,
website design,
etcetera.

Tools Registry

This registry assists you in selecting the appropriate set of HF tools for your specific needs. The complete set of HF tools including detailed descriptions and helpful hints can be found at: HILAS Tool Registry

The Human factors tools themselves

Below all HF tools that were validated in the HILAS project are listed in alphabetical order. First an overview is given, then their output is given and finally the methodology or how the HF tools should be applied is described.

Work Package Leaders

Workpackage	Leader
WP 3.1: Existing Tools and Requirements for an Integrated System	GE Aviation
WP 3.2: First Evaluation	NLR
WP 3.3: Tool and application refinement	Elbit
WP 3.4: Final Evaluation	NLR

Strand Participation

Strand Leader	GE Aviation
Asst. Strand Leader	NLR
Partner	Avitronics
Partner	BAE Systems
Partner	Deep Blue
Partner	Elbit
Partner	Galilieo Avionica
Partner	Lufthansa
Partner	Noldus
Partner	RuG
Partner	TNO
Partner	Stereofucs Technologies

User:Lewiscatton/Flight Deck Technology Strand