Crew Systems Integration Overview …and my thoughts on its importance
Human Factors clarifies the human integration development issues aircrew (not just the pilots) as well as for passengers with both hardware and software. In layman’s terms, it means improving safety and ease of use. Financially, failing to implement and champion these concerns equates to losses in: assets, maintenance, worker efficiency, publicity, timely development, and expensive personnel). The worth and resources provided to HFE programs ought to be equal to that of QA and lean programs (unfortunately it is typically is not), as it can provide not only a ROI in terms of a safety and capability sales edge but also mitigate lawsuits frequently presented to aerospace companies. Thus greater HFE = a win-win solution!
Programs
I had the pleasure of working on one tremendous programs and prototypes advancing rotorcraft capabilities. They were:
Sikorsky Canadian Maritime CH-148 ‘Cyclone’
Bell 417 (Upgraded 407 model Prototype)
Bell ARH-70 ‘Arapaho’ Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH)
Digital Display Usability
Thumbnail portion of poster
Thumbnail example of a large poster I would create and update to facilitate integration discussion with colleagues and pilots.
I have conducted usability, development, and integration with Chelton Flight Systems and Rockwell Collins Displays on three programs. Work included:
- Integration of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) units to customize symbology for each program’s requirements and standards.
- Development of new submenu pages
- Ensuring safe, intuitive, and efficient navigation and information communication
Crew Advisory Systems
Work done in this area for two companies is proprietary. However, the illustration at right is an example of the elements that go into developing a functional Warning, Caution, and Advisory (WCA) system. A well designed system requires integration of existing and new units that:
- Prioritization based on criticality
- Information Overload avoidance
- Intuitive, Standardized Symbology & Labeling
- Descriptive and distinguishable audio
- Example of Warning Caution Advisory (WCA) spreadsheet including: priority, label, attenson, activation, deactivation, and corrective action.
Workload Task Analysis
Aviation is an industry where saving money in short term development does not equate to savings in the long term. Aprox. 80% of all aviation accidents are STILL related to human error whether it be pilot or maintainer error. Operators, Customers, and Mgt. need to press further the important of pushing usability and the efforts of Human Factors Engineers to protect the safety of personnel and company’s investments. This analysis is a means by which meet and exceed contemporary safety advancements.
User, Unit, and Integration Testing
Experience in writing and conducting various type of testing such as:
- Overall System Human Factors Testing
- Individual Unit Usability Testing
- Individual Unit Integration Testing
- Individual Unit Functional Testing