Guidelines for the Design of GPS and LORAN Receiver Controls and Displays

Final Report - July 1994PDFTech ReportDOT-VNTSC-FAA-95-7DOT/FAA/RD-95/1FA5007/FA5E2Air traffic controlGlobal Positioning SystemHuman factorsNavigation devicesRadio receiversUnited States. Federal Aviation AdministrationMcAnulty, D. Michael.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)Anacapa Sciences, inc.NTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-SAFETY AND SECURITYNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Human FactorsVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterLong range navigation (Loran) and global positioning system (GPS) receivers are widely used in aviation. The Loran and GPS receivers are similar in size and function but derive their navigation signals from different sources. The design of the controls, displays, and computer logic is usually similar for the two types of receivers from a single manufacturer, but differs substantially among manufacturers. Some or all of the designs may provide a suboptimal human-computer interface, which may result in simple time delays or in serious safety risks if the pilot cannot use the system effectively and efficiently. The design variations also make it difficult to certify receivers for different applications. As a result, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center has sponsored a program of research to address issues in Loran and GPS receiver design. This report first reviews the literature on user experiences with Loran and GPS receivers and other types of similar, automated equipment. Second, the report reviews the major human factors references, texts, and individual journal articles that are relevant to the regulatory requirements for the receivers. Finally, specific human factors principles and guidelines are proposed for the design and certification of GPS and Loran receiver controls, displays, and control-display integration