The flight management system-pilots´ interaction with cockpit automation

An experimental study of pilots´ mental models and awareness of the flight management system (FMS) was conducted. Experienced airline pilots were asked to fly a simulated scenario on a fixed-base autoflight training device. The scenario for this study was designed to address specifically those FMS operations that had been identified as problematic in a survey and during training observations. The results of this research provide input to airline training departments in order to help them refine and expand their automation training. The data also support designers in improving existing systems and in designing future automated cockpit systems. This research adds to a better understanding of issues related to human-centered automation independent of any specific domain