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Masters Thesis Defense by
Andrew J. Greenhill
ENHANCED FLIGHT VISION SYSTEMS: PORTRAYAL OF RUNWAY MARKINGS AND SENSOR RANGE EFFECTS ON PILOT PERFORMANCE
Advisor: Dr. Amy Pritchett
2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 25th, 2018
Weber Space Science and Technology Building
Room 200
Abstract:
This thesis investigates the effects of specific sensor limitations in enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) on general aviation pilot performance during approach and landing, specifically, sensor range and EFVS portrayal of runway markings. The background section of this thesis describes some of the current sensor technologies with EFVS: millimeter wave radar, forward-looking infrared and light detection and ranging. In addition, the connections between pilot tasks, information requirements, visual cues and information processing level are identified. These connections show how limitations of sensor technologies could affect pilot performance. These effects were then assessed in a fixed base flight simulator of a general aviation aircraft with an EFVS system. The sensor range and portrayal of runway markings was varied while measuring pilot performance. Pilot performance during approach was measured according to FAA instrument certification standards and landing performance was measured using standards taught during private pilot courses. The results show that pilot performance in tracking an instrument approach is negatively affected by reductions in EFVS sensor range, while the vertical speed and distance from centerline had exceedances beyond acceptable standards when the EFVS did not portray runway markings. These results identify the key minimum specifications of EFVS sensor range and ability to portray runway markings for their implementation in general aviation.
Committee Members:
Dr. Amy Pritchett
Dr. Marcus Holzinger
Dr. Michael Dorneich