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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 415 records · Page 23

Combining destination diversion decisions and critical in-flight event diagnosis in computer aided testing of pilots

Rockwell and Giffin (1982) and Giffin and Rockwell (1983) have discussed the use of computer aided testing (CAT) in the study of pilot response to critical in-flight events. The present investigation represents an extension of these earlier studies. In testing pilot responses to critical in-flight events, use is made of a Plato-touch CRT system operating on a menu based format. In connection with the typical diagnostic problem, the pilot was presented with symptoms within a flight scenario. In one problem, the pilot has four minutes for obtaining the information which is needed to make a diagnosis of the problem. In the reported research, the attempt has been made to combine both diagnosis and diversion scenario into a single computer aided test. Tests with nine subjects were conducted. The obtained results and their significance are discussed.

Rockwell, T. H.↗

A Study of the Characteristics of Human-Pilot Control Response to Simulated Aircraft Lateral Motions

Report presents the results of studies made in an attempt to provide information on the control operations of the human pilot. These studies included an investigation of the ability of pilots to control simulated unstable yawing oscillations, a study of the basic characteristics of human-pilot control response, and a study to determine whether and to what extent pilot control response can be represented in an analytical form.

Cheatham, Donald C↗

A compilation and analysis of typical approach and landing data for a simulator study of an externally blown flap STOL aircraft

A piloted simulation study has been made of typical landing approaches with an externally blown flap STOL aircraft to ascertain a realistic dispersion of parameter values at both the flare window and touchdown. The study was performed on a fixed-base simulator using standard cockpit instrumentation. Six levels of stability and control augmentation were tested during a total of 60 approaches (10 at each level). A detached supplement containing computer printouts of the flare-window and touchdown conditions for all 60 runs has been prepared.

Middleton, D. B.↗

The effectiveness of using real-time eye scanning information for pilot training

A study to evaluate the idea of providing pilots feedback on their scan behavior as an instrumentional training aid was conducted jointly by NASA, Piedmont Aviation, and Old Dominion University. The study used Langley's oculometer system to provide a real-time display of the trainee's scan to the instructor pilot in the aft part of the Boeing 737 training simulator at Piedmont. The trainees' scan behavior was also video-taped for viewing by the instructor and trainee after each training session. Based on qualitative data obtained during the study, scan behavior feedback was an effective tool for pilot training.

Spady, A. A., Jr.↗

High angle-of-attack flight dynamics of a forward-swept wing fighter configuration

As part of a forward-swept wing technology development effort, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the NASA Langley Research Center are conducting a cooperative research program to investigate the high angle-of-attack, stall and spin characteristics associated with the forward-swept wing concept. The studies are centered around the X-29A configuration which is being built to flight demonstrate the application of forward-swept wing technology to a fighter class airplane. The program includes static and dynamic wind-tunnel force tests, free-flight model tests, drop-model tests, spin-tunnel tests, and piloted simulation studies. Selected results are presented from the Langley research program on the X-29A configuration with emphasis on the high-alpha aerodynamics and the vehicle component contributions to these characteristics. The effects of these aerodynamic characteristics on the overall high-alpha flying qualities of the configuration are discussed in terms of results of the wind-tunnel free-flight tests and the piloted simulation study.

Murri, D. G.↗

Recent research related to prediction of stall/spin characteristics of fighter aircraft

The NASA Langley Research Center is currently engaged in a stall/spin research program to provide the fundamental information and design guidelines required to predict the stall/spin characteristics of fighter aircraft. The prediction methods under study include theoretical spin prediction techniques and piloted simulation studies. The paper discusses the overall status of theoretical techniques including: (1) input data requirements, (2) math model requirements, and (3) correlation between theoretical and experimental results. The Langley Differential Maneuvering Simulator (DMS) facility has been used to evaluate the spin susceptibility of several current fighters during typical air combat maneuvers and to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of automatic departure/spin prevention concepts. The evaluation procedure is described and some of the more significant results of the studies are presented.

Nguyen, L. T.↗

A simulation evaluation of a pilot interface with an automatic terminal approach system

The pilot-machine interface with cockpit automation is a critical factor in achieving the benefits of automation and reducing pilot blunders. To improve this interface, an automatic terminal approach system (ATAS) was conceived that can automatically fly a published instrument approach by using stored instrument approach data to automatically tune airplane radios and control an airplane autopilot and autothrottle. The emphasis in the ATAS concept is a reduction in pilot blunders and work load by improving the pilot-automation interface. A research prototype of an ATAS was developed and installed in the Langley General Aviation Simulator. A piloted simulation study of the ATAS concept showed fewer pilot blunders, but no significant change in work load, when compared with a baseline heading-select autopilot mode. With the baseline autopilot, pilot blunders tended to involve loss of navigational situational awareness or instrument misinterpretation. With the ATAS, pilot blunders tended to involve a lack of awareness of the current ATAS mode state or deficiencies in the pilots' mental model of how the system operated. The ATAS display provided adequate approach status data to maintain situational awareness.

Hinton, David A.↗

Information transfer in pilots' use of a collision avoidance system

A flight simulator study of pilots' use of the Traffic-alert and Collision Avoidance System is described. Three levels of information on the location of other air traffic were presented to different groups of airline pilots. The amount of informtion on the location of other traffic had little effect on pilots' performance of the maneuvers commanded by the collision avoidance system. Measured crew responses were similar with no presentation of traffic location, with limited information, and with continuous traffic information. No learning effects were observed, and differences in flight experience did not contribute to the performance difference found.

Chappell, Sheryl L.↗

Sensitivity study for a remotely piloted microwave-powered sailplane used as a high-altitude observation

The sensitivity of several performance characteristics of a proposed design for a microwave-powered, remotely piloted, high-altitude sailplane to changes in independently varied design parameters was investigated. Results were expressed as variations from baseline values of range, final climb altitude and onboard storage of radiated energy. Calculated range decreased with increases in either gross weight or parasite drag coefficient; it also decreased with decreases in lift coefficient, propeller efficiency, or microwave beam density. The sensitivity trends for range and final climb altitude were very similar. The sensitivity trends for stored energy were reversed from those for range, except for decreasing microwave beam density. Some study results for single parameter variations were combined to estimate the effect of the simultaneous variation of several parameters: for two parameters, this appeared to give reasonably accurate results.

Turriziani, R. V.↗

Studies of planning behavior of aircraft pilots in normal, abnormal, and emergency situations

A methodology for the study of human planning behavior in complex dynamic systems is presented and applied to the study of aircraft pilot behavior in normal, abnormal and emergency situations. The method measures the depth of planning, that is the level of detail employed with respect to a specific task, according to responses to a verbal questionnaire, and compares planning depth with variables relating to time, task criticality and the probability of increased task difficulty. In two series of experiments, depth of planning was measured on a five- or ten-point scale during various phases of flight in a HFB-320 simulator under normal flight conditions, abnormal scenarios involving temporary runway closure due to snow removal or temporary CAT-III conditions due to a dense fog, and emergency scenarios involving engine shut-down or hydraulic pressure loss. Results reveal a dichotomy between event-driven and time-driven planning, different effects of automation in abnormal and emergency scenarios and a low correlation between depth of planning and workload or flight performance.

Johannsen, G.↗

Influence of Cultural, Organizational, and Automation Capability on Human Automation Trust: A Case Study of Auto-GCAS Experimental Test Pilots

This paper discusses a case study that examined the influence of cultural, organizational and automation capability upon human trust in, and reliance on, automation. In particular, this paper focuses on the design and application of an extended case study methodology, and on the foundational lessons revealed by it. Experimental test pilots involved in the research and development of the US Air Force's newly developed Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System served as the context for this examination. An eclectic, multi-pronged approach was designed to conduct this case study, and proved effective in addressing the challenges associated with the case's politically sensitive and military environment. Key results indicate that the system design was in alignment with pilot culture and organizational mission, indicating the potential for appropriate trust development in operational pilots. These include the low-vulnerability/ high risk nature of the pilot profession, automation transparency and suspicion, system reputation, and the setup of and communications among organizations involved in the system development.

trust↗

A study of light airplane pilot landing performance

The results of a total of 289 landings performed with a low-wing aircraft by a group of private pilots on long and short runways have been analyzed to determine the landing performance of these pilots. Both the long- and short-runway landings show significant variation from straight or uniformly curved trajectories, denoting considerable 'jockeying' on the part of the pilot during approach. The long-runway approach speeds were variable and higher than recommended. Considerable float followed by touchdown at speeds well above stall were noted. The short-runway landings were quite similar, except that approach speeds were slightly lower as a result of the use of two-thirds to full flaps, and touchdown occurred closer to the threshold.

Obryan, T. C.↗

NASA study of an automated Pilot Advisory System

A Pilot Advisory System (PAS) concept for high-density uncontrolled airports is discussed where the general aviation pilots will be provided with automatic audio voice airport and air traffic advisories within two minute intervals and with mid-air collision warnings whenever such situations arise. Free of manual inputs, the PAS includes the options of fixed-base operator runway select, automatic restart and self-test, and remote inquiry of system status and messages.

Parker, L. C.↗

A concept study of a remotely piloted vehicle for Mars exploration

Candidate configurations are discussed for shuttle-transported, spacecraft-deployed remotely piloted vehicles having individual aeroshells, parachutes, and scientific payloads for Mars exploration. Topics covered include aerodynamics; powerplants; structural materials; deployment and descent interface systems; payloads; secondary power; thermal control; navigation, guidance and control, communications, weight and center of gravity; performance; and flight testing. The advantages of the recommended electric-powered cruiser/lander configuration are summarized.

Source record↗

Control/display trade-off study for single-pilot instrument flight rule operations

The objectives were to determine minimum autopilot functions and displays required to keep pilot workload at an acceptable level; to determine what constitutes an acceptable level of workload; to identify critical tasks; and to suggest specific experiments required to refine conclusions. It was determined that workload relief is derived from basic stability augmentation; that complex autopilots can lead to serious blunders; and that displays need to enhance positional awareness and minimize the likelihood of false hypothesis.

Hoh, R.↗