What we do with Human Factors Data and Theory: A Flight Deck Design Philosophy for the High Speed Civil Transport Aircraft

Abstract

This paper reports on the results and lessons learned from constructing a design philosophy for a new aircraft. The High Speed Civil Transport aircraft is the next-generation supersonic transport, planned for initial operating capability in 2005. Current objectives for the aircraft include cruise speeds of Mach 2.4, ability to take off and land in low visibility, and restricted forward vision. These objectives necessitate consideration of major changes in some of the functions currently allocated to the human flight crew. An explicit design philosophy was defined as the first step in ensuring that system development proceeded with clear emphasis on supporting the human operators in accomplishing the goals of transporting their passengers and cargo safely, comfortably, efficiently and on schedule. This paper discusses the development and details of the integrated flight deck design philosophy that will be used to guide the development of a High Speed Civil Transport flight deck. The paper describes • the goals, scope and benefits of the flight deck design philosophy; • the effect on the current system development process; • the method used to produce the design philosophy; • examples of the philosophy and guideline statements, with rationale; • and finally, suggestions for improving the transfer of basic and applied research into the system design process.