Masters Thesis Proposal by

Andrew J. Greenhill

Enhanced Flight Vision Systems: Presence of Runway Markings and Visibility Effects on Pilot Performance

Advisor: Dr. Amy Pritchett

9:00 AM, Friday, September 15th, 2017

Bradley Building

Bradley Conference Room

Abstract:

 This proposal defines a research plan to investigate the effects of visibility range and runway marking on pilot performance with enhanced flight vision systems. The motivation behind this experiment is to observe the implications of sensor technologies in general aviation. This research hopes to provide some insight into the possible concerns of enhanced flight vision systems with regards to pilot performance. The background section of this proposal describes some of the current sensor technologies in use today with enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS). The current sensors described are millimeter wave radar, forward-looking infrared and light detection and ranging; each of these sensors have capabilities and constraints that could affect the display shown to the pilot. In addition to sensor technologies, pilot visual cues and situational awareness is discussed. The objective of this research is twofold: first, find the effect, if any, the visibility range of an EFVS system affects the pilot performance on approach and landing. Secondly, find the effect that the absence of runway markings in EFVS has on the pilot performance during approach and landing. The approach that will be taken is to modify the visual cues presented to the pilot that directly affect the pilot’s performance and situational awareness. The visual cues were chosen since they have been shown to be used on approach and landing and can be directly related to current sensor technologies.