Effect of display parameters on pilots' ability to approach, flare and land

A workstation study is undertaken in which pilots conduct simulated landings via video images, and the effects are evaluated of field of view (FOV), magnification, resolution, update rate, and the use of aiding symbology. The simulation is conducted on the Advanced Real-time Simulation System with real-time controls, computer-generated imagery, and cockpit instrument displays. Five pilots fly 45 test runs with varying levels of FOV, update rate, aiding symbology, resolution, and magnification. Increased FOVs improve the runway streaming cues, and the pilots are shown to prefer unity magnification. Aiding symbology is shown to improve flare initiation and approach-heading variation, and the pilots prefer to use aiding symbology during the landing task. Update rate is also shown to have a critical effect on the pilots' ability to land the simulated aircraft.