Symbols for Cockpit Displays of Traffic Information

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).

• Corporate Authors:

  Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • Zuschlag, Michael
  • Chandra, D
  • Helleberg, J
  • Estes, S
• Publication Date: 2010-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: 78p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Aircraft operations; Aircraft pilotage; Approach control; Cockpits; Crash avoidance systems; Human factors in crashes; Warning systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cockpit display of traffic information
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01162926
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-VNTSC-FAA-10-07
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 19 2010 11:34AM