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A series of VOR-DME landing approaches were flown in the NASA Langley Research Center fixed-base full- workload simulator to evaluate the effects of using a digital altimeter on pilot's scanning behavior and workload. Six pilots executed two sets of landing approaches, using a counter-drum-pointer altimeter (CDPA) on one set and a digital altimeter (DA) on the other set. The DA consisted of five, 7-segment LED digits, 0.28 inches high. Pilot scanning data were collected with Langley's oculometer system. The oculometric data were reduced to dwell percentages, average dwell times, transition matrices, dwell time histograms, and were statistically analyzed. The results showed differences in pilot scanning behavior with the DA versus the CDPA. Although the average dwell time on the DA was slightly shorter, there were more transitions to altitude information with the DA.

This paper summarizes the results of several studies conducted at Langley Research Center over the past few years. The purposes of these studies were to investigate parameters of pictorial displays and imaging sensors that affect pilot approach and landing performance. Pictorial displays have demonstrated exceptional tracking performance and improved the pilots' spatial awareness. Stereopsis cueing improved pilot flight performance and reduced pilot stress. Sensor image parameters such as increased field-of-view, faster image update rate, and aiding symbology improved flare initiation. Finer image resolution and magnification improved attitude control performance parameters.

A landing-site indicator (LASI) has been devised as a relatively simple heads-up display to show the pilot the magnitude and direction of the airplane's velocity vector superimposed over the pilot's view of the landing area. A total of 160 landings were performed in a fixed-base simulation program by four pilots with and without the LASI display. These tests showed the display to be of beneficial use in making the approaches more consistent. Some inferences were also made that the physical workload would also be less with its use. The pilots generally agreed that the LASI, as represented in the simulation was a useful landing aid. Additional pilot comments from preliminary flight tests of a breadboard LASI display unit tend to confirm the simulator results. The LASI unit might also be useful as a training device for student pilots, however, specific tests would have to be performed to verify this possibility.

The development of a real-time, non-intrusive, oculometer system and corresponding data reduction programs has provided a means of rapidly recording and analyzing scanning behavior data. Knowing where the pilot is looking is necessary but not sufficient information for determining instrument symbology, design and location. A number of scanning behavior myths have been examined and put in prospective. This paper discusses these and other findings obtained in a variety of studies conducted over the past seven years using Langley's Oculometer System.