Does Workload Modulate the Difference between Cockpit Traffic Display Formats?

Abstract

Eighteen certified flight instructors from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation participated in an experiment exploring the format of the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information for free flight traffic avoidance maneuvers. Pilots flew a sequence of flight scenarios to compare the effects of traffic load, display dimensionality (3D vs. 2D coplanar), and a vertical profile orientation on maneuver choice, conflict avoidance performance, and maneuver efficiency. The highest levels of workload induced more combined lateral/vertical maneuvers, degraded safety on the 2D coplanar displays, and degraded efficiency regardless of display type. In the context of an overwhelming preference for vertical maneuvers, the 3D display increased the frequency of the less-safe descent maneuvers (relative to climbs) and increased subjective workload, while the 2D rear-view display decreased the vertical efficiency of all maneuvers, relative to its side-view counterpart.