Method for Evaluating Data Communication Messages in NextGen Flight Deck Scenarios

Abstract

Data communications (DataComm) is one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) key technologies supporting the transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). As communication on the flight deck changes from voice clearances to clearances sent via datalink, human factors experts have anticipated potential implementation challenges, particularly for the data communications that may not be integrated with the flight management system (FMS) and which requires the flight crew to read the DataComm message, interpret it, and then make the appropriate FMS input. Even fully integrated DataComm and FMS flight deck systems could prove challenging for flight crew use in the Trajectory Based Operations context. For example, textual clearances that provide complex 4D trajectory information may be difficult for pilots to interpret in a timely and efficient manner without error. To address this challenge, flight deck displays with graphics, hybrid text and graphics, and other formats integrated with existing navigation displays may enable pilots to more easily identify, understand, and quickly respond to air traffic clearances and instructions. To support FAA Aircraft Certification Service and Flight Standards Service evaluation of new DataComm flight deck technologies and associated procedures for Trajectory Based Operations and other key NextGen applications, this paper describes a method that allows rapid evaluation of new and modified DataComm displays in the cockpit. Our method uses a variety of complex data communications, including the use of concatenated messages to obtain rapid pilot feedback and performance in a part-task, scenario-based simulation. Average data values from an initial study evaluating pilot interpretability measured as percent errors and response time to text-based clearances are presented.