Date of Award

3-1995

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Aeronautical Science

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Dr. Henry R. Lehrer

Committee Member

Dr. Thomas J. Connolly

Committee Member

Mr. Donald B. Hunt

Abstract

Development in electronic displays and computers have enabled avionics designers to present the pilot with ever increasing amounts of information in greater detail and with more accuracy- However, technological developments have not always brought about enhancement of the pilot's role. Investigating the interaction of cockpit crew members and the vast array of automated systems they control and monitor will contribute to the determination the effect this interface has on the performance of the cockpit team. This study utilized a questionnaire to determine if the opinions of the flight crew suggested performance is impacted negatively by automation. There was no significant agreement suggesting that automation impacted the flight crew performance negatively by inducing complacency, loss of proficiency or by creating an unsafe environment. It did reveal that less experienced pilots were less proficient and felt more overwhelmed with the newer technology incorporating advanced automation.

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