Supporting Taxiing for General Aviation Pilots through Dynamic Message Signs: Simulation Evaluation and Implications for the Prevention of Runway Incursions

Abstract

The potential of dynamic message signs to update pilots' expectations about airport surface characteristics was investigated in a simulation experiment. Signs were placed at simulated high-hazard airport intersections to inform pilots about uncommon surface characteristics and it was investigated if and how general aviation pilots could use such signs to update their expectations during taxiing. The results of the simulation study indicate that about two thirds of the pilots without prior experience with dynamic message signs noticed and processed the sign information. About two thirds of those pilots adjusted their taxiing according to the sign information. On average, pilots who were more likely to notice the message sign also reported higher levels of situation awareness (Taylor 1990) than pilots who were less likely to notice the sign. It was found that dynamic message signs did not reduce the risk of violating hold-short instructions if pilots were not familiar with the dynamic message signs. Specific procedural and standardization recommendations are given to improve sign benefits.

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