A simulator evaluation of pilot performance and acceptance of an aircraft rigid cockpit control system

摘要

A ground-based simulator facility employing a two-axis compensatory tracking task with a random appearing signal was used to evaluate the performance of one hundred five pilot and non-pilot test subjects using four separate control sticks -- two moveable and two rigid. Pilot acceptance of the rigid cockpit controllers was determined by comparing individual pilot ratings of the sticks. In general, in both performance and opinion, the rigid systems were found to be superior to their moveable counterparts. Steps were taken to avoid errors due to pilot bias, learning, fatigue, or adaptation. The results obtained are subject to several test limitations, including the low stick-force levels employed the lack of aircraft vibration effects, and the realism of the simulation. (Author)