Pilot GPS/LORAN Receiver Programming Performance: A Laboratory Evaluation

Abstract : This study was designed to explore GPS/LORAN receiver programming performance under simulated flight conditions. The programming task consisted of entering, editing, and verifying a four-waypoint flight plan. The task demands were manipulated by varying flight turbulence and the time interval between test sessions. Flight performance data indicated that subjects were well trained on the flight task; significant effects of turbulence and test interval were not found. Programming performance was very good and critical errors occurred on only 13% of the test trials. Examination of the conditions surrounding each error indicated that specific display design and system logic attributes contributed to the errors. In addition, examination of error recovery methods showed that non-intuitive menu structures complicated and confused the recovery process. Pilots rarely recalled 'doing anything wrong' when errors occurred, suggesting that the receiver interface design was opaque and did not provide a good understanding of system function. Recommendations for GPS/LORAN receiver controls, functions, menu structure and logic, error recognition and recovery, and general usability are discussed. Global positioning system (GPS), Long range navigation (LORAN), Error recognition, Error recovery, Menu structure, Display design, Human factors.