Effects of Delayed Radar Information on Distance Estimation

Abstract

Data-linked radar images can be delayed and more than 14 minutes old by the time they reach the cockpit for use by pilots (Elgin & Thomas, 2004; Novacek et al., 2001; Yuchnovicz et al., 2001). Unfortunately, pilots may not be fully aware of the delay (Yuchnovicz etc., 2001) and that it may adversely affect their decision-making and cause fatal accidents (Chamberlain and Latorella, 2001; NTSB, 2011). This study evaluated the effects of the amount of time delay (short, medium or long), movement speed of storm cells (slow, medium, of fast), and display format (animation or static) on the pilot’s distance estimation accuracy. 31 student pilots and pilots completed the task of current proximity estimation to the storm cells. As expected, delayed radar information affected the pilots’ proximity estimation and deteriorated their weather situation awareness. The participants routinely underestimated the current distance. When the time delay was long or the storm movement was fast, the proximity estimation was more accurate. Interaction effects existed between the amount of delay and display types. This could be due to use of perceptual cues on the display to support proximity estimation. Pilots were observed to take a conservative approach in face of uncertainty caused by delay.