This integrative report is divided into two volumes. Volume I introduces a classification of aircraft displays and controls, reviews problems that have plagued their evolution, and advances the pilot's task hierarchy as a conceptual framework within which available information can be abstracted, integrated, and applied to the design of displays and controls. In particular, Volume I constitutes a bringing together and integration of the findings from the various historical lines of investigation associated with quickening and unburdening, contact analog displays, predictor displays, frequency-separated displays, and performance control systems.
The Aviation Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois has investigated integrated computer-generated symbolic displays and computer-augmented flight control for the Office of Naval Research. The research was directed toward (1) the isolation of minimum sets of visual image cues sufficient for spatial and geographic orientation in the various ground-referenced phases of representative flight missions, (2) the generation and spatially integrated presentation of computed guidance commands and fast-time flight path predictors, and (3) the matching of the dynamic temporal relationships among these display indications for compatibility with computer-augmented flight performance control dynamics, both within each ground-referenced mission phase and during transitions between phases. The investigative program drew selectively upon past work done principally under ONR sponsorship or partial sponsorship, including the ANIP and JANAIR programs. (Author).
Volume II contains reports detailing the past year's hardware efforts. Hardware specific to Phase II simulation and experimentation was designed, built, and installed. Volume II describes equipment necessary to continuing research on computer-augmented controls and computer-generated displays. (Author).
The second edition of Flight Stability and Automatic Control presents an organized introduction to the useful and relevant topics necessary for a flight stability and controls course. Not only is this text presented at the appropriate mathematical level, it also features standard terminology and nomenclature, along with expanded coverage of classical control theory, autopilot designs, and modern control theory. Through the use of extensive examples, problems, and historical notes, author Robert Nelson develops a concise and vital text for aircraft flight stability and control or flight dynamics courses.
The Advanced Avionics Handbook is a new publication designed to provide general aviation users with comprehensive information on advanced avionics equipment available in technically advanced aircraft. This handbook introduces the pilot to flight operations in aircraft with the latest integrated “glass cockpit” advanced avionics systems. This handbook is designed as a technical reference for pilots who operate aircraft with advanced avionics systems. Whether flying a conventional aircraft that features a global positioning system (GPS) navigation receiver or a new aircraft with the latest integrated “glass cockpit” advanced avionics system, you should find this handbook helpful in getting started. The arrival of new technology to general aviation aircraft has generated noticeable changes in three areas: information, automation, and options. Pilots now have an unprecedented amount of information available at their fingertips. Electronic flight instruments use innovative techniques to determine aircraft attitude, speed, and altitude, presenting a wealth of information in one or more integrated presentations. A suite of cockpit information systems provides pilots with data about aircraft position, planned route, engine health and performance, as well as surrounding weather, traffic, and terrain. Advanced avionics systems can automatically perform many tasks that pilots and navigators previously did by hand. For example, an area navigation (RNAV) or flight management system (FMS) unit accepts a list of points that define a flight route, and automatically performs most of the course, distance, time, and fuel calculations. Once en route, the FMS or RNAV unit can continually track the position of the aircraft with respect to the flight route, and display the course, time, and distance remaining to each point along the planned route. An autopilot is capable of automatically steering the aircraft along the route that has been entered in the FMS or RNAV system. Advanced avionics perform many functions and replace the navigator and pilot in most procedures. However, with the possibility of failure in any given system, the pilot must be able to perform the necessary functions in the event of an equipment failure. Pilot ability to perform in the event of equipment failure(s) means remaining current and proficient in accomplishing the manual tasks, maintaining control of the aircraft manually (referring only to standby or backup instrumentation), and adhering to the air traffic control (ATC) clearance received or requested. Pilots of modern advanced avionics aircraft must learn and practice backup procedures to maintain their skills and knowledge. Risk management principles require the flight crew to always have a backup or alternative plan, and/or escape route. Advanced avionics aircraft relieve pilots of much of the minute-to-minute tedium of everyday flights, but demand much more initial and recurrent training to retain the skills and knowledge necessary to respond adequately to failures and emergencies. The FMS or RNAV unit and autopilot offer the pilot a variety of methods of aircraft operation. Pilots can perform the navigational tasks themselves and manually control the aircraft, or choose to automate both of these tasks and assume a managerial role as the systems perform their duties. Similarly, information systems now available in the cockpit provide many options for obtaining data relevant to the flight. Advanced avionics systems present three important learning challenges as you develop proficiency: 1. How to operate advanced avionics systems; 2. Which advanced avionics systems to use and when; 3. How advanced avionics systems affect the pilot and the way the pilot flies
