NTL Record

Title Symbols for cockpit displays of traffic information
Record ID 47540
Personal Name
Creator
Chandra, Divya; Zuschlag, Michael; Helleberg, John; Estes, S.
Source 28th Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), October 25-29, 2009, Orlando, FL; 13p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.); Mitre Corporation. Center for Advanced Aviation System Development
Publisher Digital Avionics Systems Conference
Publication Date 20091025
Language English
Abstract A web-based study assessed pilots ability to learn and remember traffic symbols that may be shown on a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI). These displays convey data obtained from Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS B) and related Aircraft Surveillance Applications System (ASAS) technologies, as well as other surveillance data sources. Three aspects of using the traffic symbols were evaluated: intuitiveness, ease of learning, and ease of remembering the symbols. Four symbol sets were tested, each with approximately 22 symbols. Each participant saw only one of the four symbol sets. The sets used different visual features of the traffic symbol to represent the Directionality, Data Quality, Air/Ground State, Alert Level, Selection State, and Pairing State of nearby aircraft. A total of 623 pilots with a broad range of experience participated. Results showed that while some conventions are well understood, such as the use of red and yellow for warnings and cautions (respectively), other conventions may be confusing and should be avoided. Results of the study were considered by a Federal Advisory Committee that develops standards for these traffic displays (RTCA Special Committee 186).
Rosap ID dot:9922
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/9922
TRT Terms Information display systems; Symbols; Air traffic control; Aircraft operations; Approach control; Crash avoidance systems; Human factors in crashes; Human factors; Warning systems
General Subjects Cockpit displays; Symbology; Aircraft pilotage
Classification NTL - AVIATION - Air Traffic Control;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Human Factors;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Proceedings
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/47000/47500/47540/dasccdti09.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository