Scientific Computing Seminar

Date:
Friday, June 3, 2005
Time:
1:00pm-2:00pm
Location:
50A-5132
Seminar Speaker:
Dr. Cecilia Aragon
NASA Ames
Title:
Improving Aviation Safety with Information Visualization: Airflow Hazard Display for Helicopter Pilots
Abstract:
Many aircraft accidents each year are caused by encounters with airflow hazards near the ground, such as vortices or other turbulence. While such hazards frequently pose problems to fixed-wing aircraft, they are especially dangerous to helicopters, whose pilots often have to operate into confined areas or under operationally stressful conditions. Pilots are often unaware of these invisible hazards while simultaneously attending to other aspects of aircraft operation close to the ground.

Recent advances in aviation sensor technology offer the potential for aircraft-based sensors that can gather large amounts of airflow velocity data in real time. This development is likely to lead to the production of onboard detection systems that can convey to pilots detailed, specific information about imminent airflow hazards. A user interface is required that can present extensive amounts of data to the pilot in a useful manner in real time, yet not distract from the pilot's primary task of flying the aircraft.

I designed an airflow hazard visualization system according to user-centered design principles, implemented the system in a high-fidelity, aerodynamically realistic rotorcraft flight simulator, and conducted usability studies with experienced military and civilian helicopter pilots. Data was gathered both subjectively from the pilots' evaluations of the visualization, and objectively from the pilots' performance during the landing simulations. The study demonstrated that information visualization of airflow hazards, when presented to helicopter pilots in the simulator, dramatically improved their ability to land safely under turbulent conditions.

Sponsor of Seminar:
Wes Bethel
Scientific Computing

Contact Esmond G. Ng EGNg@lbl.gov