Use of Enhanced Vision Sensors for Approach Hazard Detection 2002-01-2971

Several transport-rated pilots flew a series of simulated approaches using infrared-based sensor data in an attempt to determine how several presentations would enhance situation awareness for pilots monitoring an automatic approach. Four display formats were evaluated: Sensor image insert in a synthetic-vision primary flight display; Sensor image displayed on a raster HUD, Sensor image displayed head-down; and Threat icons displayed on the primary flight display. For monitoring purposes, the use of a separate head-down display appears promising. This display was liked for its large size, however the subject pilots down-rated it because of increased workload during the transition from instruments to visual references at minimums. The subject pilots complained about clutter, small image size, and confusion between the SV and EV images. The image on the HUD was the display preferred by the subject pilots, but offered no measurable objective advantage as a monitoring display.