Modern aircraft are exceedingly reliant on automation systems so as to function proficiently and safely. This holds for both commercial and private planes (Rehmann, Klock, & Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center (U.S.), 2013). The automation of flight decks have been a significant improvement in this industry since it has increased safety and accurate business operations and navigation potentials. The increased technology advancement has increased competitiveness in the aircraft industry (Brown, 2011). However, despite the advantages linked to the new technologies just like digital instrumentation and control systems that require careful consideration of human features and human-machine interface factors.
The automation of cockpit can have positive or negative results. This means that it may succeed or fail taking into consideration designer’s capability to minimize different types of incompatibilities between the characteristic of the system and the knowledge of the people who are interacting with the system, servicing and maintain it or troubleshooting it in different scenarios (Rehmann, Klock, & Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center (U.S.), 2013). Generally, the safety of the system relies on various issues such as the extent to which the design of the system minimizes the possibilities of occurrence of human error and maximizes the possibilities of revival from human errors or protects against the uncontrolled error.
Advantages
Deck human interface has various advantages and disadvantages. First and foremost advantage is that vertical and lateral navigation has risen dramatically due to the development in engine management technology. The technological development has really improved navigation as compared to the tradition systems. Second is that, with existence of the current systems, currently, flights are not distracted by weather changes. As a result of this, flights are easily managed and day to day operations go as scheduled (Rehmann, Klock, & Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center (U.S.), 2013). Additionally, with more improved and automated systems, the management of unsteady aircraft at high altitude can be possible. Through the automated system, aircrafts can easily be controlled from the ground and in case of any eventuality; the rescue team can be dispatched to assist the aircraft (Brown, 2011). Last but not least is the fact that computer technology is more accurate and precise as compared to human, the automation of aircraft system will promote efficiency by reducing errors.
Disadvantages
Despite the above advantages, flight deck interface has some disadvantages. First is the fact that it is hard and almost impossible to curb human error without getting rid of human flexibility and embracement capability (Brown, 2011). It is important to note that the major aim is to control negative result of the error and not errors. Next, the flight deck interface brings changes in the industry, and this comes with challenges as well. This will cause conflict due to the fear of the unknown. Last but not least the adoption process of this system is very expensive in terms of time and cost (Rehmann, Klock, & Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center (U.S.), 2013, Brown, 2011). ). For instance, it will require aircrafts to invest a lot in its human resource training such as flight-crews, designers, operators, regulators and researchers.
Conclusively, it is evident that technology has brought significant changes in the aircraft industry but there are various issues that arise from the adoption these technological changes. In regards to the adoption of the flight deck interface include but not limited to human error minimization, error tolerance increase, complexities from users perspective, reaction to system feedback, operational changes and human resources.
- Brown, L. J. (July 01, 2011). NextGen Technologies Shape the Future of Aviation. International Journal of Aviation Technology, Engineering and Management (ijatem), 1, 2, 46-57.
- Rehmann, A., Klock, B. A., & Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center (U.S.). (2013). Flightdeck automation issues: An aviation safety reporting system analysis. Atlantic City International Airport, N.J: Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center.
