Describe common errors in display interpretation.
Common errors in interpreting displays can include the display being hard to read, if not lit up enough if flying at night or low light conditions. Displays that are located in hard to look places such as low down, or up high can also make interpreting that information difficult.
Displays should also be colour coded to quick reference (eg yellow and red lines) and also easy to read such as light bold font on a dark background.
Describe parallax error.
This is derived from not reading an instrument directly from its front, due to the separation of the indicator and the scale not being read.
This gives the illusion that the instrument is reading something else
Explain the importance of the following in the design of instrumentation, displays and alerts:
The size of displays and instruments plays a large part in cockpit design. The displays need to be big enough to read easily, but not that it interfered with the other gauges and takes up too much room.
Explain the importance of the following in control design ...
The size on controls can make it much easier to find in a rush, also different sizes ensure that the pilot does not reach and move a wrong control next to another; such as a throttle being larger than a flap lever located next to the throttle.
To recognize a control by touch, this allows pilots to reach and make small (or large) adjustments without having to look down and into the cockpit to ensure they have the correct control. This saves a lot of time and effort on the pilots behalf, as well as make the aircraft easier and safer to fly.
The location of controls should be easy to find and operate. For a control such as throttles and mixtures which are used alot, they should be in sight and easy to reach.
Controls used less such as cabin lights and APU’s, these can be located is a position which can still be operated by the pilot, but less in their field of vision or as easy to reach.
Direction of movement of controls should be in a way which makes sense. When a throttle is pushed forward, that should increase the RPM of the aircraft. All switches should operate in the same direction, eg up for ON. This minimises confusion and keeps the controls easy to understand.
As mentioned earlier, visibility is a must for every flight. Anything that diminishes the visibility is seen as detrimental to the flight. A pilot should be able to see as much as possible outside as well as inside.
Describe the problems associated with windshield design and visibility.
When flying an aeroplane, your eyes are looking outside 90% of the time. If the windshield is dirty or hard to see through, this can play a detrimental effect to pilot visibility.
Therefore; making it harder to see objects and attitudes that are vital to the flight.
Also, aircraft with poorly designed windshields can making flying harder or even unsafe! With a small windshield it is harder to see out of, also with more posts and pillars the pilot must move their head and body more to see outside.
Always make sure the windshield is clean before you fly!
Explain the importance of eye datum or eye design position.
The pilot needs to be seated so that the eyes are in a position that with minimal head movement, there is a good view of instruments and the outside environment
Eye position is also critical to judging the final approach
If the instruments were not in direct line of sight of the pilot, not only would it take longer to view these instruments, but there would also be a form of parallax error taking place.
Describe the effects of a poorly designed cockpit on pilot performance.
A poorly designed cockpit will have a huge affect on pilot performance. You cannot expect anyone to operate at a high output unless they are comfortable and in a machine that is easy to operate.
The cockpit design will dictate if controls can be operated easily, dials and gauges can be seen easily and whether the pilot can be seated comfortably for extended periods of time; therefore reducing stress and fatigue.
Explain the relevance of anthropometry in the design of a cockpit.
By understanding anthropometry we can design aircraft cockpits that cater for the human body. Things such as seat positions, pedal positions and ceiling heights can all be designed to allow humans to sit comfortably inside the cockpit.
Describe applications of biomechanics in the design of a cockpit.
By understanding biomechanics we can understand how the human body will move and interact with controls and the aircraft cockpit.
From this we can design an aircraft cockpit with controls that work with the human body and joins instead of against. This will allow for a cockpit that is ergonomic and allow the pilot to work for extended periods of time comfortably.
Define anthropometry.
This is the science of human measurement including joint – joint contour shape or reach / pull.
This is important in the cockpit design so that the majority of the population are catered for