Learning to Fly Glass Cockpits Requires a New Cognitive Model

Abstract

The advent of computer-based avionics in piston-powered and light jet aircraft is arguably the most significant change to occur in recent general aviation history. Lessons learned from the airlines' incorporation of glass cockpits suggest that pilots require new knowledge and skills to safely transition into these airplanes. This study used Pathfinder associative networks to evaluate the structural knowledge of flight instructors approved to provide instruction in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). The goal was to determine if the structural knowledge obtained by pilots operating TAA represent information that is incorporated into existing cognitive models or if the knowledge and skills are distinct, requiring the creation of a new model. The results show that TAAs require pilots to learn distinct new skills and that their experience with traditional avionics plays a very small role in their successful transition into TAA aircraft.

The Multiple-Baseline Design

“…Nowadays, many training aircraft are technically advanced aircraft (TAA) equipped with advanced avionic displays, autopilots, global positioning systems (GPS), and in many cases, moving map displays and flight management systems (FMS). These airplanes have the computing power, functionality, and automation capabilities previously only found on larger commercial aircraft (Hamblin, Gilmore, & Chaparro, 2006).…”

“…Proponents of TAA believe that providing more information and automation will make flying safer. The logic is that the safety of commercial aviation has increased in part due to similar technologies; therefore, general aviation should also benefit (Hamblin et al, 2006). The growing use of these aircraft presents unique challenges to the aviation infrastructure, since according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Foundation (2005), “the bulk of the existing 180,000-plus light GA (General Aviation) airplanes still use steam gauges” (p. 5).…”

“…The results of research by Hamblin et al (2006) suggest that the knowledge and skill needed to fly TAA are distinct from those needed to fly airplanes equipped with traditional mechanical gauges, and that flying traditional avionics is mostly unrelated to operating TAA. This would suggest that the reverse would seem equally likely.…”