FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-99/9

Title and Subtitle: A Usability Survey of GPS Avionics Equipment: Some Preliminary Findings

Report Date: March 1999

Authors: Joseph, K.M., Jahns, D.W., Nendick, M.D., and St. George, R.

Abstract: The rapid introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for airborne navigation has outpaced the capacity of international aviation authorities to resolve human factors issues that concern safe and efficient use of such devices. Current certification technical standards appear to have had little influence on standardizing receiver architectures, interfaces, and operating manuals-despite evidence from research simulation and flight tests that lack of standardization may undermine safety. The present research used factor-analytic techniques to reduce 308 pilots' ratings from a 163-item survey to 24 factors. These factors are suitable for identifying human factors issues related to GPS receiver displays and controls, operating procedures, navigation performance, training, and other topical areas. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that GPS experience and receiver type influenced pilot ratings for several of these factors. The results of this limited survey are consistent with previous research, and their application to certification procedures and standards is discussed.

Key Words: GPS, Certification, Human Factors, TSO C129 A1, Pilot Experience, General Aviation, Aviation Safety

No. of Pages: 10