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

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-99/26

Title and Subtitle: GPS User-Interface Design Problems

Report Date: October 1999

Authors: Williams, K.W.

Abstract: This paper is the second of two of a review of human factors problems associated with the user-interface design of a set of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, certified for use in aircraft for instrument non-precision approaches. Both papers focus on design problems associated with the interfaces and specific inconsistencies across the set of interfaces that could cause confusion or errors during operation. Some specific problems addressed involve the placement of units in the cockpit; the use and design of moving-map displays; and problems associated with changes in course direction indicator sensitivity. Recommendations for solving some of the problems are provided, as well as suggestions to the FAA, GPS manufacturers, and pilots regarding the future development and use of these products.

Key Words: Global Positioning System, Human-Computer Interface, Aircraft Displays, Applied Psychology

No. of Pages: 11