Considerations Toward a General Aviation Controller-Pilot Datalink Communication Display

Abstract

This study proposed the design of a graphic user interface by which pilots will be able to receive and send text messages through the on-board avionics equipment. Although the technology exists in select commercial applications, it has yet to be implemented in General Aviation (GA) operations. Because GA avionics capabilities are not as extensive as those in commercial operations, certain features required simplification or exclusion from the development consideration. The first task involved gathering user needs data from a sample of pilots through the use of an online survey. The survey provided data for user display design preferences and projected comfort of using controller-pilot datalink communication (CPDLC) methodologies in certain phases of flight. The study culminated with the development and initial usability evaluation of an interactive wireframe model. After navigating through each of seven scenarios, participants completed the After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) to provide feedback on the perceived ease of use and time to complete a task. At the conclusion of all scenarios, the participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), providing additional insight to aspects of the user experience (UX).