Pilot induced fuel exhaustion, stall/spin and flight path control accidents, and near-accidents, continue to plague the general aviation safety record. The current instrumentation force the pilot to maintain a very high proficiency level to safely utilize the inadequately 'Human Factors Engineered' (HFE) cockpit of GA aircraft. Studies of aircraft accidents have shown that during stress and high workload situations, pilots experience 'Cognitive Tunneling' ( See Technical Background ), which results in dramatic impairment of the ability to interpret instrument data and make correct decisions. To address this critical problem, VMD proposes utilizing HFE technology to direct the design of an innovative and affordable General Aviation Energy Performance Management System (EPAMS). This system will provide precise energy management control from takeoff to touchdown via a real-time 'cued' display and sensor system. HFE techniques can be used in designing specific flight path control display formats that can virtually eliminate pilot misinterpretation errors, especially during high workload or stressful periods. The goal of this effort is to create a key technology necessary for takeoff to touchdown flight management, thereby reducing pilot training, improving GA safety and efficiency, and therefore increase its utility and market base.Potential Abstract:All general aviation and corporate aircraft in service or newly constructed.
