FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine 
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-25/07

Title and Subtitle: Operational Human Factors Considerations for Head-Worn Display (HWD) Usage in Civil Aviation

Report Date: January 2025

Authors: Susindar, S., Ferris, T., Valasek, J., Fojtik, E., Brown, M., Pugh, K., Marcario, C., and King, T. 

Abstract: Advanced visual display systems, such as Head-Up Displays (HUDs), Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMDs), and Head-Worn Displays (HWDs), have been used in military aviation since the 1960s and have been increasingly introduced in general and commercial aviation cockpits. The evolution of in-cockpit technology has ushered in fundamental changes in how pilots receive and process flight-relevant information. Flight operations proceed very differently in cockpits outfitted with traditional head-down display (HDD) configurations compared to those that support viewing/interacting with HUDs, HWDs, and other types of advanced visual displays. The physical and cognitive demands placed on pilots are also impacted by the use of these technologies. Therefore, it is important to understand the nature of these interactions, the demands imposed, and the implications of display system features for safe and effective aviation, communication, and navigation. This report details a hybrid narrative and systematic literature review of human factors issues related to aviation applications of HWDs and other advanced visual displays. It summarizes the scientific findings of studies on HWD usage and compiles evidence that can inform recommendations for the usage of HWDs in civil aviation.

Key Words: Head-Worn Display, Head-Up Display, Helmet-Mounted Display, Human Factors, Civil Aviation

No. of Pages: 101