Civil Aircraft Warning Systems: Future Directions in Information Management and Presentation

• Published in: The International journal of aviation psychology 2000-01, Vol.10 (2), p.169-188
• Main Authors: Noyes, Jan M., Starr, Alison F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: crew safety; decision support systems
• ISSN: 1050-8414; 1532-7108
• DOI: 10.1207/S15327108IJAP1002_4

Aviation statistics often cite human error and, in particular, crew decision making as a primary cause in explanations of aircraft accidents and incidents. Part of the solution to managing error may lie in the development of human-centered flight deck warning systems, which not only are error tolerant but also actively aid crew decision making. This article describes some of the findings from a comprehensive questionnaire survey of civil flight deck crew carried out to locate user requirements for the next generation of warning systems. Because the participants in the study were from 10 different fleets (thus representing a range of warning systems from the older fixed static systems to the modern multifunction ones), it is possible to consider whether the development of warning systems has been successful from the point of view of the user. Pilot views on the provision of earlier detection of abnormal conditions, the completeness of warning information, the consequences of crew actions, the prioritization of warning information, and the facility to interrogate the system to make predictions are reported. It is concluded that warning systems have developed in accordance with crew opinion and that given the prevalence of human error on the flight deck, issues of information management and presentation in the next generation of warning systems will be of paramount importance. Working closely with crew provides one means of helping to ensure the good design of future systems.