Head-up transition behavior of pilots during simulated low-visibility approaches

Haines, R. F.

Each of 13 commercial pilots from four airlines flew a total of 108 manual flight director approaches in a moving base simulation of a medium-sized turbojet (95,000 lb gross weight) which had a day and night Redifon external scene. Three levels of runway visual range (RVR) (1,600; 2,400; and greater than 8,000 ft), three wind-shear profiles, nine ceiling heights, and continuous and intermittent visibility after initial breakout were tested. The results indicated that: (1) mean decision time ranged from 2 to 4.6 sec for ceilings under 380 ft across the three RVR conditions; (2) mean vertical distance traveled during the visual-cue assessment period was a relatively constant proportion below the existing ceiling; (3) a significant three way interaction in mean decision time between wind shear, day-night, and ceiling RVR variables occurred; (4) mean number of head-up transitions to VFR conditions after breakout ranged from 4.6 to 13.4 and increased as a function of ceiling and severity of wind shear; the typical duration of fixation out the window was 1.5 sec; and (5) subjective pilot ratings of controllability and precision of control as well as amount of skill, attention, or effort required to make the landing were influenced significantly by the wind shear, night conditions, and low breakout ceiling conditions.

Document ID

19800017541

Acquisition Source

Legacy CDMS

Document Type

Technical Publication (TP)

Authors

Date Acquired

September 4, 2013

Publication Date

June 1, 1980

Subject Category

Report/Patent Number

Accession Number

80N26039

Funding Number(s)

Distribution Limits

Public

Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

Name

Type

19800017541.pdf

STI

No Preview Available

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Available Downloads

Related Records