Computers in the cockpit - But what about the pilots?

The advent of the microprocessor has made it possible to design and implement small special purpose digital computers for the flightdeck of an aircraft. However, by the end of the 1970s, many in aviation and government were concerned about certain safety implications of developments related to automation which had occurred. As a result of these concerns, NASA was directed to examine the human factors of automation. A field investigation concerning the arising questions was conducted, taking into account the introduction of the Dash 80 airliner in 1980. Attention is given to the design philosophy of the aircraft, the study methodology, and preliminary results of the study, which are based on analysis of the first wave of questionnaire data and interviews. Almost all pilots, and check captains as well, expressed the view that the first 50 to 100 hours in the -80 were difficult. The reasons for these difficulties were related to cockpit automation and, in addition, to the fact that the new aircraft was more powerful than the older models to which they were accustomed.