Formal tests for LLM approaches using refined cockpit display technology

Results are presented from formal flight and simulation experiments to test a new primary flight display (PFD)/refined multifunction display (MFD) system, with a computer generated dynamic pathway, as a viable means for a pilot to accurately and efficiently control and navigate an aircraft. For flight control, the PFD uses a computer generated highway-in-the-sky (HITS) pathway and a synthetic vision terrain image of the view outside the aircraft, with an overlay of all the essential flight technical data. For navigation, the MFD provides a moving map with a dynamic pathway to aid the pilot. The total PFD/MFD system provides a predictive method for flying an aircraft, as opposed to the reactive method associated with conventional needle and dial instruments. Fifteen low-to-average-experience subject pilots were selected to compare the PFD instrumentation system to a conventional instrumentation system. A non-precision global positioning system (GPS) area navigation (RNAV) approach to runway 20 at Wakefield Municipal Airport, VA, (AKQ) was used. The hypothesis was that the intuitive nature of the PFD instrumentation system will provide greater situational awareness, improved accuracy, and less pilot workload during flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) compared to using conventional round dial instrumentation.