Pilot Perceptions on the Integration of Electronic Flight Bag Information in New Flight Deck Designs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather usability data on a new flight deck concept in which pilots are shown certified and uncertified information concurrently on installed avionics. Specifically, we wanted to examine perceptions on the concepts of concurrent use and differentiation for electronic flight bag (EFB) applications that show ownship position. We presented an uncertified electronic chart on either a portable electronic device (PED) alone (off to the pilot’s side) or on both a PED and an installed flight deck display. The uncertified electronic chart was always shown concurrently with an approved navigation source. We differentiated the electronic chart from the navigation information via display medium (portable vs. installed) and a header labeled “EFB,” drawn at the top of the uncertified electronic chart on the installed display. Thirteen flightcrews flew eight scenarios using the flight deck concept. Pilots liked the concurrent display of the electronic chart, and the repeated display functionality, in particular, because they could control the presentation of information on the forward display using the touch screen on the side display. Our method of differentiation—a header—was less successful and suggests a need to consider the potential for stimulus habituation when evaluating these techniques.