Electronic Checklists on Multi-Purpose Displays: A Better Way for Fighter Pilots to Manage Information and Situational Awareness During Periods of High Workload

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After accumulating mishap data from the 1990's, accident investigations are revealing that pilot error causes approximately 80% of aviation mishaps. But, apply a bit more aggressive critical analysis into the type of human errors occurring highlight the fact that task saturation, lack of situational awareness, and checklist errors are the leading factors. Although 'stick and rudder' errors still occur due to poor piloting skills or deficiencies in training, the majority of the human errors are linked to the pilot's mental abilities. Current USAF fighters are pushing the limit of the pilot's ability to collect and comprehend enormous amounts of information. The cumulative effects of these technologies, which were intended to increase situational awareness and lethality, are in actuality responsible for the loss of situational awareness due to task saturation. The focus of this research will be on pilots' mental abilities and identifying known limitations within the cognitive process. But, innovative information technologies and other ergonomic efforts within the cockpit will also be looked at because it is impossible to look at the cognitive perspective in isolation. We must also look at the interaction the mind has with physical characteristics of a fighter aircraft. Renovating the vehicle in which the checklist information is communicated to pilots could be a potential solution to fight task saturation, susceptibility to spatial disorientation and overall mental errors in today's cockpit. The fundamental conclusion resulting from this research is electronic checklists and data-based information banks can optimize pilot workload, situation awareness, and improve overall air combat performance by taking advantage of new information storage capabilities. The ultimate goal is to integrate this information into the "glass cockpit" seamlessly without increasing pilot workload resulting in decreased pilot errors. Vital to the success of this endeavor is the ability to pr