Human Engineering Principles for Flight Deck Evaluation: Rich Ranaudo
Course Description:
The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in the accelerated proliferation of modern flight systems and associated crew station displays. These systems and displays are designed with the expectation that they will improve mission performance by increasing human-machine capability and efficiency. Historically, not all modern flight systems have met the goals of the designer, and in some cases, have resulted in poorer than expected system performance, increased human error, and additional safety of flight concerns. Many of these problems originate at the pilot-system interface because the design failed to properly consider important human sensory, perceptual, and cognitive characteristics affecting the attention of the pilot, situational awareness, decisions and actions. Further, if these characteristics are not properly considered in selecting and executing an appropriate test and evaluation methodology, erroneous or inconclusive fi could result with the potential for latent problems.
The first half of the course presents important human engineering principles relating to human sensing, perception, and cognition that directly affect human attention and performance and ultimately, human error and safety. The second half lectures focus on the process of human subject testing and evaluation. The lectures discuss application and considerations of human engineering principles, formulation of test design and data analysis, test execution, and case studies that provide practical applications of the entire process.