Improvement of Head-Up Display Standards. Volume 3. An Evaluation of Head-Up Display Safety

A review of the safety aspects of head-up displays (HUDs) is presented. Because of the widespread concern about the use of HUDs during unusual attitudes, particular attention was paid to spatial disorientation and the implications of flying by reference to the HUD during unusual attitude recoveries. It is concluded tha the HUD is not inherently unsafe during instrument meterological conditions and is quite suitable for use as a primary flight display. It is clear, however, that current military training for pilots in the use of the HUD is inadequate both in terms of initial pilot training and recurrent training. Any problem with head-up displays is exacerbated by the lack of adequate training. The use of a generic HUD procedures trainer is highly recommended. Keywords: Orientation(Direction), Symbols, Flight instruments, Flight control, Flight instrument standardization, Instrument flight training, Aviation safety. (EDC)