Cockpit Display of Traffic Information: The Effects of Traffic Load, Dimensionality, and Vertical Profile Orientation

Abstract

Eighteen certified flight instructors from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation participated in an experiment exploring the design of the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) for free flight. Pilots flew a sequence of flight scenarios to compare the effects of traffic load, dimensionality, and a vertical profile orientation on maneuver frequency, safety, and maneuver efficiency. Climbs and descents were found to be more frequent than other maneuvers. Both the rear-view and 3D displays were safer in terms of predicted conflict avoidance than the side-view display. Climbing maneuvers were more safely implemented with the rear-view and 3D displays than with the side-view display. The lateral efficiency of climbing maneuvers was highest with the rear-view display. Altitude maintenance of lateral/vertical maneuvers was highest with the side-view, then the rear-view, and then lowest with the 3D display. Airspeed efficiency of airspeed maneuvers was highest with the rear-view display. These findings suggest that a rear-view coplanar CDTI may be preferable to either a side-view coplanar or 3D display.