In Part I of this work, 12 instrument-rated pilots flew a high fidelity simulation in which air traffic control presentation of auditory information regarding traffic and flight parameters was compared with advanced display technology presentation of equivalent information regarding traffic and flight parameters. Redundant combinations were also examined while pilots flew the aircraft simulation, monitored for outside traffic, and read back communications messages. The data suggested a modest cost for visual presentation over auditory presentation, a cost mediated by head-down visual scanning, and no benefit for redundant presentation. In Part II, visual scanning in all conditions was fit by an expected value model of selective attention derived from a prior experiment. This model accounted for 94% of the variance in the scanning data and 90% of the variance in a 2nd validation experiment. Actual/potential applications are given.
Abstract