The Operational Potential of an In-Flight Weather Awareness System: An Explorative Pilot-in-the-loop simulation

This study investigates the operational potential of an in-flight weather awareness system displaying weather hazard cues that are either invisible (i.e. Clear Air Turbulence and Icing) or visible only during clear visibility operation (i.e. Cumulonimbi, and Volcanic Ash). The study focuses on investigating (i) the potential uses of the display, (ii) its usability deficiencies, and (iii) its potential for pilot’s error. Methodology: A small-scale human-in-the-loop simulation coupled with expert observations, followed by a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. A total of 14 professional aviation pilots flew several scenarios using the evaluated display to plan route changes free of weather conflict. Results: The display exhibits the potential to shift weather management from a tactical (5-10 minutes) to a strategic level (up to 1h earlier than today); Cluttering due to multiple overlapping weather areas was the main usability deficiency; Mode error could occur due to poor indication of weather hazard status, and when using the proposed display in less modern airspaces than Europe and US. Value: These findings are relevant for Human Factors and Safety specialists and researchers involved in the development, evaluation, purchase and certification of aviation weather display.