Ergonomics

Question 1

Explain the importance of the following in the design of instrumentation, displays and alerts:
(a) position

Answer 1

Positions of visual displays needs to be correct for where you’re sitting.

Adjustment of seats also needs to be thought about and built into the cockpit design.

Frequently used instruments need to be placed or put in a position where they can be most easily seen.

Question 2

Explain the importance of the following in the design of instrumentation, displays and alerts: instruments

Answer 2

Instruments should be laid out in a very logical, clear, concise way in a way that the pilot can easily scan and retrieve information.

Question 3

Explain the importance of the following in the design of instrumentation, displays and alerts: use of colour

Answer 3

Useful for getting attention but should be limited to a few different colours as to avoid confusion. Generally:

RED - WARNING
AMBER - CAUTION
GREEN - NORMAL

Question 4

Explain the importance of the following in the design of instrumentation, displays and alerts: illumination

Answer 4

Illumination is used to make displays in a dimly lit cockpit visible. These displays must be lit enough so they are visible to both pilots if in a multi crew cockpit and/or not cause shadows or glare.

It should be able to be adjusted based on the conditions required.

Question 5

Describe parallax error

Answer 5

Parallax error is the displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object (instrument) viewed along two different lines of sight.

Question 6

Describe potential errors in the interpretation of three pointer altimeters.

Answer 6

With interpretation of this instrument, the errors associated are:

become more apparent in periods of high pressure/high workload
relate to misinterpretation of what the pointers actually signify (i.e. 1,000’s of feet)
include parallax error and general wear and tear

Question 7

What are the three-pointer altimeter descriptions?

Answer 7

• either the shortest fat or the longest skinny pointer for 10,000’s of feet
• mid-length pointer for 1,000’s of feet
• long pointer for 100’s of feet

Question 8

What is an alert

Answer 8

An alert is a visual or aural signal generated by the system to inform of an issue

Question 9

Describe the basic requirements of alerts

Answer 9

• To alert the pilot to the existence of a problem by means of a flashing light
• To describe the problem by means of an illuminated caption
• To direct the pilots response (guide the pilot to the correct action)

Question 10

Describe how colour coding conventions are used in aviation on instruments and displays. (Colour, meaning, response) (6)

Answer 10

• Flashing red - warning - critical condition, immediate action required
• red - warning - critical condition, immediate action required.
• amber - caution - abnormal condition, timely action required
• green - normal - normal satisfactory, no action required
• white - title/remarks
• blue - advisory