From Paper-Based Operational Procedures to Onboard Context-Sensitive Information System (OCSIS) for Commercial Aircrafts

Abstract

Pilots currently use paper-based manuals, Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and electronic systems onboard to help them perform procedures to ensure safety, efficiency and comfort on commercial aircrafts. Although the manuals and procedures in EFB are not context-sensitive, management of interconnections among these operational documents can be a challenge for pilots, especially when time pressure is high in normal, abnormal, and emergency situations. This paper presents a possible solution for an on board context-sensitive information system (OCSIS) that would be an alternative to current electronic library systems and traditional paper-based onboard documentation systems. A concurrent analysis of existing on board documentation content, was carried out to determine what are the main requirements for such OCSIS. An analysis of context in commercial aviation is proposed and applied to a possible OCSIS solution. This research and design work presents a methodology that supports human-centered design (HCD) of onboard context-sensitive information systems. We developed and tested the OCSIS in the context of commercial aircraft flight decks. Although several findings were elicited from the various testing sessions that we had during the design cycle of this academic work, the main contribution is the articulation of various techniques and tools that make HCD feasible and effective.