Evaluation of synthetic vision information system (SVIS) displays based on pilot performance

Abstract

While Synthetic Vision Information Systems (SVIS) are still in the research and development stages, it is possible that we will see them become an integral part of the commercial flight deck. The goal of this study was to evaluate an SVIS display against a conventional glass cockpit display. The study was conducted in a fixed base laboratory flight simulator located in the Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) at the University of Iowa. Twelve pilot evaluators hand-flew fairly difficult approaches into the Eagle County Colorado (KEGE) airport. Specially designed questionnaires were used in various phases of the flights to estimate workload, situation awareness, and user preference. Information relating to situation awareness was collected using the Situational Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) and workload estimates were obtained using the NASA Task Loading Index (TLX) technique. Eye movement data was collected using a modified IScan ETL 500 system. The resulting eye movement data was used to conduct a link analysis (an analysis of eye movement transitions between areas of interest on the displays) between and within the PFD and ND. Flight Technical Error (FTE) performance was also determined.