Automatic Return in Multifunction Control Logic

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of automating the return function in a multifunction control device. An automatic return function takes the control logic from any menu page back to the first page if the pilot does not select additional functions during a predetermined time period. The acceptability of three return time periods: 5, 10, and 15 seconds, was evaluated in a flight simulation. While there were no significant performance differences among the three time periods, subjective questionnaire data showed that pilots were in favor of automating the return function and had a significant preference for the 10 second time period.