Simulation Report -- Advanced Display for Complex Flight Trajectories

Several cockpit display problems were revealed during flight tests of complex approach trajectories in support of the Microwave Landing System (MLS) Program. Among these problems were pilot orientation with respect to the approach profile and the runway, verifying proper performance along the prescribed path and cross-checking or monitoring profile computations. This document contains a brief background statement regarding the display and describes the simulator experiment, results and recommendations for display improvement. In all, eight rated Air Force Pilots of varying backgrounds flew approximately 264 curved, multi-segmented glideslope approaches in a variety of simulated wind conditions. Data collection included objective performance with respect to the desired flight path and pilot opinion on each of the new display features. Generally, pilots were favorably impressed with the display concept and recommended further development.