Automatic Barometric Updates from Ground-Based Navigational Aids.

摘要

This study examined techniques for transmitting automatic barometric updates of altimeter settings to pilots from ground-based navigation aids. It also examined the human factors and operational impact of providing automatic altimeter updates to flight crewmembers. The study considered the altimeter setting procedures of general aviation aircraft pilots operating in compliance with the Visual Flight Rules. And, it considered the altimeter setting procedures of pilots operating within the Instrument Flight Rules requirements. The study concludes that there are no insurmountable human factors or operational problems associated with the implementation of ABU, if the technique is based on automatic transmission of the barometric data through synthesized or digitized voice updates from the selected navigation aids. The study also concluded there is potential for improvement of aviation safety by implementing ABU techniques. These improvements would be in the form of: (1) enhancement of the quality of altimeter setting data used by VFR flight crewmembers operating below 18,000 feet MSL, (2) a reduction of workload for flight crewmembers of operating in either VFR or IFR environments, (3) a reduction of air traffic controller workload, and, (4) a small, but positive, reduction of traffic on ATC communication channels. (jhd)