The Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) for Low-visibility Takeoffs: Equivalence for Level of Safety

Twelve Part 121 operations commercial-carrier crews completed low-visibility takeoffs at Memphis International Airport using an Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). A 2x2x2x3 factorial design with runway visual range (500 and 700 feet RVR), runway edge lighting (High Intensity or Medium Intensity) and two levels of EFVS (either captain’s Head-Up Display only or with additional first-officer’s Head-Down repeater) was used along with supplemental sample points and several baseline trials representing current-authorization conditions. Tasks included normal takeoffs, EFVS failure (both continue and reject trials), and engine failure (reject). There were no significant main effects of display or infrastructure in the main design (500 and 700 feet RVR), and pilot performances in the experimental trials with EFVS were not markedly different from the baseline (current authorization) trials. All crews were able to stop the aircraft successfully on the runway during rejected takeoffs. Pilots uniformly believed they could successfully complete takeoffs or reject them in lower visibilities with EFVS as compared with using the Head-Up Display without EFVS, which was supported by observed performance.

• Record URL:
  https://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2020s/media/202016.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57000
• Corporate Authors:

  FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

  6500 S MacArthur Boulevard
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73125

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Office of Aerospace Medicine, 800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • Beringer, Dennis B
  • Fercho, Kelene A
• Publication Date: 2020-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 87p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pilots; Aviation safety; Head up displays; Takeoff; Visibility
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01779047
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FAA/AM-20/16
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 15 2021 6:07PM