An international usability survey of GPS avionics equipment

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 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 are consistent with previous research, and their application to certification procedures and standards is discussed.